Cyber-attack launched from 10,000 web pages

A security firm has identified over 10,000 web pages rigged by cyber-criminals to hijack the PCs of unsuspecting surfers..

The web pages have been modified to silently redirect visitors to sites laden with malware that attempt to break into the user's PC.

McAfee Avert Labs described the assault as "one of the largest attacks to date of this kind".

The redirects and attempted break-ins are all hidden from the unwitting user. Compromised web pages include everyday destinations such as travel, government and hobby sites.

The attack serves as a reminder that even trusted websites can be malicious, McAfee warned.

"Often you hear warnings about not going to untrusted sites," said Craig Schmugar, threat researcher at McAfee Avert Labs.

"That is good advice, but it is not enough. Even sites you know and trust can become compromised."