Can scripts (JavaScript, Visual Basic Script) be used maliciously?
Yes. While most of scripts are useful and used to increase the functionality of web sites, some are harmful as can be used to get access to your personal information or cause damage to your PC based on the information about your computer. Using malicious scripts and Java applets it is possible to get various information about your computer. Some kinds of your computer information (ex. screen resolution) are harmless and can be used for statistical research or providing special advertisement. But some information is not as harmless (ex information about your disks, etc) and can be used by hackers to get access and cause damage to your computer. Besides, malicious scripts can change your browser settings. To avoid the problem turn scripts off while surfing, and only turn them on when a site you trust and want to use requires them. Scripts disabling will keep you from being vulnerable to malicious scripts, however, it will limit the interaction you can have with some web sites.
