What's the deal with downloads without permission

[Peter Franks]

Hi Guys

Just a quick one... was on a news site that I go to every day, and first time this happened the download box popped up and started downloading something without me touching anything. Never happened before and I go there every day. I tried to view it, and it was a text box 'unknown' document with GIF89a

......
; in it. I know it says GIF but it wasn't a pic of any kind just a text file? But why would it start the downloader unless I've tried to download something myself? Has that happened to anyone else?

 

[GGJstudios]

But why would it start the downloader unless I've tried to download something myself? Has that happened to anyone else?

They're known as "drive-by" downloads. Make sure "Open "safe" files after downloading" is not checked in your Safari Preferences, and simply delete any file that downloads without your express permission.

 

[Peter Franks]

Thank you, It wasn't checked, same as iTunes opening when clicking on apple pages when you just want to view the App info only.