If you’re like most people, you want to make sure you have the most popular screensavers on your computer to entertain you. However, did you know that they could be a security risk of you’re not careful? Older versions of Microsoft Windows opened any .scr file automatically, allowing viruses or other malicious software to install themselves. Newer versions can read tags in the file to reduce this problem, but many people are still inadvertently installing dangerous software when all they really want are popular screensavers.
Search terms like screensavers or free screensavers are the ones that are most likely to turn up links to malicious software, according to the BBC. More than half of the sites that uses these phrases include elements that could cause problems for users. While it’s well known that illegal software sites and porn sites are sources of problematic software, most people don’t know that attempts to download the most popular screensavers could put them at risk, too. While some search engines have changed search criteria to protect users, others have not.
The danger from these sites varies from those that simply try to change your browser settings, directing you to advertising sites, to those which will bundle viruses, spyware and adware in with your popular screensaver downloads, or find out your contact information, causing a deluge of spam. Signing up with one site using a test email address resulting in hundreds of spam messages delivered per week.
The less tight your browser security is, the easier it is for these sites to install malware without your knowledge while you’re looking for popular screensavers. You could lose personal data or even have your computer hijacked. Every visit to a dangerous site could have serious implications for your computer, so you have to know how to protect yourself, even when you’re looking for something as innocuous as the most popular screensavers. Four to six percent of all searches turn up dangerous sites, but screensaver searches turn up many times that number.
The good news is that some simple security precautions, such as choosing a secure browser and running add-ons that will prevent sites from installing programs without your consent, will do the trick. You’ll be able to access the most popular screensavers and keep your computer safe, as long as you’re willing to pay attention to what’s happening. Make sure you know what’s going on with your computer at all times, and enjoy your screensavers!