Malware alert

Google has warned web users of the increasing threat posed by malware that can be dropped onto a computer as a web surfer visits a particular site.

The search giant carried out in-depth research on 4.5 million websites and found one in 10 web pages could successfully launch a 'drive-by-download' - such as a Trojan - onto a user's computer.

The software potentially allows hackers to access sensitive corporate information or install rogue applications.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, told silicon.com Google is right to highlight what he said is a worsening trend and "a considerable problem" for businesses and end users.

Cluley said an average of around 8,000 new URLs containing malware emerged each week during April.

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