Watch PORN online? You've probably got a computer VIRUS

The latest malware attack affected both PornHub and YouPorn, two incredibly popular porn websites

PORNHUB and YouPorn are the latest in a string of hugely popular pornographic websites which have fallen prey to a cyber-attack.

 

A number of high profile porn websites have fallen prey to a malware attack, according to security firm Malwarebytes.

XHamster – the 71st most popular website in the world – was last week hit by the attack. 

PornHub and YouPorn were both attacked over the weekend. The malware is found in advertisements on the website, which redirect users to fraudulent webpages.

 

The advert – which claimed it was for a service called Sex Messenger – was laced with tools used to identify whether or not the user was genuine, or simply a bot.

The malware could then work out if the visitor was running Microsoft's Internet Explorer, identify their security settings and then redirect them to a fraudulent webpage.

Dubbed malvertising, the technique is often used to install ransomware – which holds the PC owner hostage with threats of exposing data, or with false accusations of criminal activity.

Those hit by the virus are given instructions on how to pay an imposed fine.

The malware attack on PornHub and YouPorn posed a serious risk as the sites attract around 800 million users per month.

 

The spate of malware attacks have spread across Pornhub, YouPorn, xHamster and even Yahoo search

The virus was spotted by the security team at Malwarebytes who confirmed: "Rogue advertisers abused the ExoClick ad network by inserting a seemingly legitimate piece of code as an ad banner."

Fortunately, it appears the attacks on Pornhub and YouPorn did not last as long, thanks to an immediate action from both the publisher and ad network.

Speaking to Malwarebytes the adult sites said: “We were alerted to the presence of a malicious advertisement appearing on a select few of Pornhub’s web properties.

 

"It was quickly determined that the malware originated from a third party advertising partner, and we responded immediately to disable all advertisements associated with this third party, and continue to actively investigate this incident.

"Pornhub takes the safety and security of its users very seriously.

"Providing an optimal and secure customer experience is of topmost priority for Pornhub, and our organisation has taken the necessary steps to protect our customer’s enjoyment without the threat of infection."

Malwarebytes has now issued a warning telling web users to make sure their computers are fully protected with several layers of security.

Providing an optimal and secure customer experience is of topmost priority for Pornhub

Spokesperson for PornHub

According to the security firm the 3 A’s is a very effective line of defence – anti-exploit, antivirus, anti-malware in order to defeat malvertising and drive-by download attacks.

A porn website is no more or less likely to attract malware than any other website.

Hugely successful search engine Yahoo was hit by the same malware, hidden inside online banner advertisements, earlier this year.