Symantec names top 100 dangerous sites

Leading anti-virus and utilities software company, Symantec Corporation, has revealed the names of 100 websites most affected by viruses, each having about 18,000 nasties to attack the net users' computers.

Simply visiting one of the ''Top 100 Dirtiest Websites''- without downloading or even clicking anything - could expose your computer to infection and put your personal information into the hands of criminals, Norton Symantec spokeswoman Natalie Connor said yesterday.

The company compiled its ''Top 100 Dirtiest Websites of Summer 2009'' list using global data collected on Norton Safe Web, a site which analysed websites' security risks and has 20 million users providing site reviews, based on number of threats detected as of August 2009.

"This list underscores what our research shows -- there has been exponential growth in the number of online threats that are constantly evolving as cybercriminals look for new ways to target your money, identity or assets,'' Rowan Trollope, senior vice president, consumer business unit, Symantec, in a statement..

In 2008, most new infections occurred while people were surfing the Web.

"Norton Safe Web provides visual ratings that let consumers know about potential risks before visiting a site. Armed with this information, consumers are empowered to make informed decisions about which sites to visit," he added.