As promised, we have compiled some top tips on how to avoid ‘drive-by’ attacks.

- Ensure you install the latest security updates for your browser. There’s no point taking a risk – make sure you have the newest version to protect you as much as possible

- Become familiar with what the security software on your machine does should it hit a virus – the messages it displays. Drive-by attacks can be very sophisticated and can even appear to be your security software kicking in to protect you

- Be wary of any program that launches during a web visit. Ask yourself where it has come from and verify its origin. If you are concerned, then search against the file name. Often with drive-bys, the file name will have been automatically generated – meaning you’ll need to check on the URL of the source site

- This is also true if you aren’t sure of the origin of a link you have been sent. Quite simply, don’t risk clicking on it. Just because it has come from a friend doesn’t make it safe – they may not be aware that they have passed it on to you

The key things to remember are that you always know exactly what it is that you are requesting, agreeing to or the authenticity of the site you are visiting.