can a virus be attached to an mp3 file?

Answer 1

No, a 'virus' can only be attached to an executable file or self-extracting archive such as a RAR or ZIP file.

TROJANS on the other hand, as well as spyware, can also take hold of HTML files.

There is no way a virus can be attached to an mp3 file because it is a standardised file format and hence can only be played as MUSIC, as that is what an mp3 file is. If the mp3 file is a virus masquerading as an mp3 file, the media player will NOT play it because it does not recognise it as a coded media file.

Hence, the virus would not be able to do anything because it can only be opened by a media player, but the media player cannot open the file because it is not coded music. This makes it completely useless.

Also, an mp3 file can ONLY contain SOUND, a virus is data, and so the mp3 file format would not be accepted. A virus can only PRETEND to be an mp3 file.

Answer 2

Neither VIRUSES nor TROJAN HORSES can be attached to a MP3 file, but WORMS might.

The difference is the following:
* A TROJAN HORSE is a program that poses as a useful (or funny) program while it in fact is malicious. A file that is indeed an MP3 cannot contain one, but a TROJAN HORSE could pretend to be a MP3, while it is in fact an executable.

* A VIRUS can only infect executable files and boot sectors, it executes itself and can - generally speaking - multiply on its own. It simply inserts itself into other files. Because an MP3 is not executed, it cannot spread a virus.

* A WORM spreads itself through security flaws in software. Now, if your player had a flaw it would be possible to insert a specifically prepared MP3 which uses this security hole to gain access to your computer, for example to load a BACKDOOR.

Several players had some security flaws in the past, including MS WMP and WinAMP. Yet, the true danger lies in a file pretending to be a MP3 but in fact being an executable (a Trojan Horse disguised as a MP3 file).

@redsoxer: While I do not know of any worm using a JPEG, there was one that used an exploit in handling WMF. And WMF is a graphics file format, like JPEG.

Answer 3

I even have been downloading for a protracted time, i've got downloaded properly over one thousand songs and characteristic by no ability had a deadly disease related to a .wav, mp3, or different song report. i think of the subject happens whilst human beings do not look into the extension of what they are easily downloading. So, they think of they are downloading a mp3, yet extremely they are downloading a exe report that features a deadly disease.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Hi Maxxy I'm afraid they can attach themselves to anything..the best thing you can do is get everything you download scanned by your anti virus on the way down or install this prog called WINDOWZONES you get a free 2 week trial.. install it have a good read and it explains itself and how to set it up,it works along side anti virus and firewall software and it does what it says it does..here is the link ( http://www.windowzones.com/ ) it cant hurt to try it...Hope this helps Best Regards Steve

Answer 6

No.

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UPDATE:

To the monkey that thumbs down this answer: How do you propose it be done? Do you think no one ever thought of that before, or thought of putting one in a jpg, etc? How come there aren't any? It can't be done on a standardized file format, such as an mp3...at least no one has come up with a way.
Go get yourself a clue!

Answer 7

Yes - a virus can be attached to pretty much any type of file. Always check every file you download that you are unsure of. You can right click on the file and choose "scan with [antivirus name]".

Hope that helps!

Answer 8

now mark says no but ithink yes. after a chat at work today we now know it can after a lot of research.hope this was the best answer youve ever heard.

Answer 9

yes! we had this problem once so we downloaded Avast antivirus and scan everything with it before opening, never had a problem since, if it finds a virus it makes an alarm noise and puts it safetly in its virus chest.

Answer 10

yes.

always right click a file before you open it and scan with anti virus