Can MP3 files contain viruses and other bad stuff?

I have always assumed that MP3 files are generally virus free.


I've never had any problems with stuff like MP3s or movie files I've obtained via P2P file sharing programs.





Recently I've been swapping a lot of Mp3 files with people via Bulletin Board Forums. I was wondering if anyone has heard of viruses being transmitted via MP3.





Naturally I'm suspicious of .exe files but is it possible that a malicious executable file could be hidden in / disguised as an MP3?





Would most anti-virus software like AVG, or Nortons automatically screen the file before the attachment opens, or should I dowload the file and manually direct a scan of each file first?

Can MP3 files contain viruses and other bad stuff?
There are no viruses to infect MP3 audio files. There is one widespread fake warning on such virus in circulation. MP3 are not self executable files nor, they can they contain any scripting. Such files like .mp3 .dat .txt cannot contain virus. Or even if it has the virus signature, the code cannot be activated. People who say that mp3 can contain virus or infect your system are just ignorant, who prefer to give advice without knowing about it.


People who get infected by virus (who claim that they got infected by mp3, are usually victims of exploits). There are no worms or virus till date which can use mp3 files as host to infect systems.





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Ck


http://www.gfour.net
Reply:Most ppl dont know it, but yes, they can contain virus'......





They can also appear as an MP3, but not actually be one. MOST software can detect it, but not all, and not always.....





Good luck.........I have the same worries with my ipod and other mp3 devices I have.





HELLO Maurice........sorry, you are incorrect that they cannot.....They infact CAN....Sony music corp was recently sued for a copy protection software (which ended up being a "virus" of sorts) that would render the cd drive and or computer INOPERABLE after xxx number of uses when burned
Reply:No, but files with the extension MP3 which are actually .EXE files will run and put all kinds of bad things on your computer. KNOW WHERE THE FILE COMES FROM.
Reply:you can get viruses via mp3's..yeah!





Be careful who your source is...stop sharing/swapping and buy from a secure sight. Or at minimum scan each file.
Reply:Yes they can, and you should always run a manual scan with all your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.





Always run a full system scan at least once a week to check for viruses and spyware
Reply:if you already have an antivirus on your pc, then you should problem no more... because if it detected a virus, it will automatically pop-up..... and besides, mp3's RARELY contain a virus.
Reply:yes theycan just make sure you have a good virus scanner and you shouls be ok!
Reply:no, unless someone has done something like songname.mp3.exe, most things (like windows explorer) will hide file extensions and make it look like songname.mp3, other than that no

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