Can you get a virus from a youtube link?

[Loqucious]

I was going to click on a link in a post, but I'm afraid I can get a comp virus.

I can tell from the URL that it is in fact a youtube link, but does that mean anything?

thx

 

[Hunters Moon]

I was going to click on a link in a post, but I'm afraid I can get a comp virus.

I can tell from the URL that it is in fact a youtube link, but does that mean anything?

thx

It's simple. If you are leary about doing something for fear of a virus piggy-backing on a download,then don't click the link. Do you use good anti-virus software such as Norton or Avast then I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[Connor_Graham]

Do you use good anti-virus software such as Norton

I thought you wanted to know if he used GOOD AV software?

 

[Redxpanda]

If it plays instantly once you click you are fine. If it says that it requires you to download and install an additional plugin to view it, it will wreck your pc once you do.

 

[Pickaxe Pete]

If it plays instantly once you click you are fine. If it says that it requires you to download and install an additional plugin to view it, it will wreck your pc once you do.

Can users of YouTube specify an additional codec download when they upload something? That would be a big security hole, and I can't imagine this would be the case. If not, I don't see why the usual Adobe Flash plugin download would be an issue.

 

[Redxpanda]

Short answer: Yes

What they do is create new codecs required to view their videos and bundle them with spyware and trojans.

 

[JC the Builder]

Can users of YouTube specify an additional codec download when they upload something? That would be a big security hole, and I can't imagine this would be the case. If not, I don't see why the usual Adobe Flash plugin download would be an issue.

No. You never need anything except basic flash to view a Youtube video. If a "Youtube" website says you need to download a special program than it is a fake site.