Drive-By Download

A Drive-By Download is the stealth installation of software on a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent. It can occur as the result of visiting a specific Web site or by clicking a misleading button or function, such as an ad for a free tool, a yes/no opinion poll, etc.

The invisibility of the Drive-By Download is what makes this form of installation especially malicious. Many users never realize the program is being downloaded, installed and running because they are never prompted or notified.

The best defense against Drive-By Downloads is to set browser settings to the highest security level along with up-to-date PC security software.