Don’t Download the Codec: How Adult Content Has Been Used to Spread Malware
April 2, 2025 - 11:00 amThere’s an old joke that the internet is basically made up of two things: adult content and cat pictures. While that might get a laugh, it also points to a very real trend in the history of online security—one that hackers have been exploiting for decades.
In the early days of the web, adult content was a surprisingly powerful tool for spreading malware. One common trick involved “dialers”—small programs that would secretly connect your computer to expensive phone numbers, racking up hefty charges while claiming to give you access to exclusive adult material. These scams thrived on curiosity, embarrassment, and the limited tech know-how of the average user at the time.
Fast forward to today, and while the internet is awash with free content of all kinds, the tactics haven’t entirely gone away. Some shady websites still lure users in with the promise of adult videos, only to say that you need to download a special “video codec” or player to view them. If you ever see this, don’t click! Modern browsers and devices don’t need extra codecs to play online videos. These downloads are almost always just malware in disguise.
The appeal of such content can, let’s just say, temporarily turn off people’s critical thinking. That’s exactly what these bad actors are counting on.
So here’s your friendly reminder from Team Spybot: if a site asks you to install anything to watch a video, especially on pages offering adult content, it’s likely a trap. Stay safe, stay skeptical, and if in doubt—don’t download it.
– Team Spybot 🛡️