Spammers Target YouTube Comments, Text Fields

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — YouTube is a great way to kill time, but it might also be a good way to kill your computer.

High-profile experts in the field have made repeated warnings about the danger of following unfamiliar links in YouTube's comments fields, which generally don't permit HTML code but into which users can easily post links to external websites.

In addition, users who post videos are welcome to add hyperlinks into the description of the video, which appears at the tops of a video's page. YouTube automatically parses HTML links into hyperlinks.

These vulnerabilities sound harmless enough, but porn-hungry surfers — many of whom log onto YouTube to follow their favorite adult stars — may be the most vulnerable to attacks made with dangerous links.

Security firm PandaLabs noted on its blog that comments fields are vulnerable to attack. Moreover, the firm said that a detailed search through YouTube uncovered more than 30,000 links to a phony site called PornTube.

Adult industry fans should be aware that the actual adult tube site PornTube.com isn't associated with the "PornTube" site listed in PandaLabs' report.

"By targeting these keywords the cyber-criminals are able to optimize and improve their success rates by infecting those who are truly looking for pornographic material," said PandaLabs researcher Sean-Paul Correll. "In this case, cyber-criminals aim to profit from human vulnerabilities and inherent curiosities."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Sex Work CEO Debuts Upgraded 'GPTease' AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Canvas in-chat editing feature to its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Show More