Found on a Dutch news site. Translation (some short paragraphs merged):
‘Online advertisements more dangerous than porn sites’
AMSTERDAM - Netizens run more risk of their computers getting infected with malware by visiting large search engines, than by viewing pornographic sites and sites that offer illegal software. This becomes apparent from research by Cisco. According to the networking company mala fide advertisements form the biggest security risk when it comes to infecting PCs with malware. The spreaders of such adverts are increasingly focusing on large high-traffic websites like popular search engines. Websites that offer porn and illegal content, and are generally considered unsafe, are much less attractive to evildoers.
Large websites like search engines and major web shops often work with adverts without knowing who offers them, according to Cisco. Because of this, these websites can spread mala fide adverts without being aware of it. Because these advertisements often exploit browser leaks, visitors don't even need to click on the ads in order to receive malware. According to Cisco, adverts thusly deliver 182 times more malware than pornographic sites. The idea that one can avoid infection by not visiting websites that are traditionally considered risky is therefore a misconception, state Cisco.
‘Online advertisements more dangerous than porn sites’
AMSTERDAM - Netizens run more risk of their computers getting infected with malware by visiting large search engines, than by viewing pornographic sites and sites that offer illegal software. This becomes apparent from research by Cisco. According to the networking company mala fide advertisements form the biggest security risk when it comes to infecting PCs with malware. The spreaders of such adverts are increasingly focusing on large high-traffic websites like popular search engines. Websites that offer porn and illegal content, and are generally considered unsafe, are much less attractive to evildoers.
Large websites like search engines and major web shops often work with adverts without knowing who offers them, according to Cisco. Because of this, these websites can spread mala fide adverts without being aware of it. Because these advertisements often exploit browser leaks, visitors don't even need to click on the ads in order to receive malware. According to Cisco, adverts thusly deliver 182 times more malware than pornographic sites. The idea that one can avoid infection by not visiting websites that are traditionally considered risky is therefore a misconception, state Cisco.