Can my pc get a virus from downloading the following?

Question

files that end in ".mp3", ".jpeg or .jpg" ".wmv", ".mpeg", which can i get viruses from

Answer 1

I think WMV can have virus (because of Microsoft Windows Media player bugs can easily get infected) and for the others, people can always append virus to them but at least not as easy for the user to get infected from those other formats.

The best way to avoid virus is to avoid using Microsoft products since they seems to be targeted by hacker. Use 3rd party image viewer or video player instead.

Additional info:
Virus in a JPEG

The virus, known as W32/Perrun-A, was sent directly to the anti-virus community by its author and is considered to be a "proof of concept". It spreads in the form of a traditional Win32 executable virus (usually called proof.exe), making changes to the Registry to mean that JPEG (.JPG) graphic files are examined by an extractor (called EXTRK.EXE) before they can be viewed. If the extractor finds viral code inside the graphic file it is executed.

"Some anti-virus vendors may be tempted to predict the end of the world as we know it, or warn of an impending era when all graphic files should be treated with suspicion. Such experts should be ashamed of themselves," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos Anti-Virus. "Not only is this virus not in the wild, but also graphic files infected by this virus are completely and utterly harmless, unless they can find an already infected machine to assist them. It's like a cold only being capable of making people who already have runny noses feel ill."

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

viruses are spread through executable files and scripts, not from data files. it is possible for viruses to spread through your data files but it must be 'installed' or 'executed' first.

wmv protected files can be used to exploit security holes by searching for a license on the computer and when it isn't found, it searches the internet for a license, but in reality, it's grabbing adware or trojans or viruses.

Some things to consider:

Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.

Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it.

Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected.

Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any to them. These types of email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.

Do not download any files from strangers.

Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet.

Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software.

Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 200 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected.

Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy.

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and do not open, download, or execute any files or email attachments

Answer 4

You can get a virus from the site that gives you these files, and the virus could potentially be in the files themselves. These file types are not a common source of viruses, however, as it takes more tech savvy and trouble to make them. The main source is .exe files and .vbs and other script files, and some virus files are disguised as other file types...but generally, if you download say a .mp3 file and there is a virus, it is probably because the site you got it from slipped a virus in along with the .mp3 file. That's why we have anti-virus software.

Answer 5

Your PC can get infected by downloadiing any of them though i don't think I've heard of viruses in .wmv files. But if someone embedded a virus in a .wmv there will always be a virus in it.

Answer 6

I know there are no known viruses that are in *.mp3 files. I'm sure you can't get anything from *.jpg, *.jpeg, *.gif files.

Not sure about the movie files however.

Answer 7

hi, virus can disguse in any type file . so you can try a more secure browser.

i recommand you to use firefox with Google toolbar. firefox can disable all virus to run, because the virus can only run on IE.

besides, firefox can block any any poppus and disable any virus and adware, spyware on webpage, so, firefox is much safer than IE. as you know, most of the virus is spread throught internet and webpage.

firefox is much smaller than IE, so i run faster than IE.

download firefox for free:

http://www.bernanke.cn/firefox/

Best Wishes && Good Luck!

Answer 8

Hi,

A virus can be attached to a file of any type. One can even change the extension of a virus file to anything to infect one's PC.

Better scan the files you download with a good antivirus software.
Check our website for a good antivirus "Kaspersky".

Regards
Girish Gunjan
http://www.maincorporated.in/

Answer 9

There's a possibility that you can get a virus from those file types..

Answer 10

All these files can hide an attached virus, but it will be enable only if you open the file.