One of the biggest computer security companies has published a list of the most dubious websites for 2009.

Symantec, the company behind the Norton range of anti-virus products has identified the ‘Dirtiest Web Sites of Summer 2009.’ These are 100 sites with the most threats detected by the site ratings service Norton Safe Web as of August 2009. They represent the ‘worst-of-the-worst’ say Symantec, based on the number of threats detected by Norton Safe Web.

Symantec say that it’s no surprise that some 50% of the worst websites are those that feature pornographic content. But what did surprise them was that many of those in the top 100 did feature innocent subject matter, including deer hunting, catering, figure skating, legal services and buying electronics.

And the most common threat found on the top 100 dirtiest sites was malware, followed by security risks and browser exploits. What’s worse, is that simply visiting one of the worst sites could risk exposing a computer to infection and identity theft, even without clicking on an item, or downloading a file.

“This list underscores what our research shows – there has been exponential growth in the number of online threats that are constantly evolving as cybercriminals look for new ways to target your money, identity or assets. In 2008, most new infections occurred while people were surfing the Web1,” said Rowan Trollope, senior vice president, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec. “Norton Safe Web provides visual ratings that let consumers know about potential risks before visiting a site. Armed with this information, consumers are empowered to make informed decisions about which sites to visit.”

Symantec calculated that the average number of threats on the Dirtiest Web Sites list is an incredible 18,000 per site. Indeed, 40 of the 100 Dirtiest Web Sites have more than 20,000 threats per site.

And below is a sample of the Dirtiest Web Sites:

• 17ebook.com
• aladel.net
• bpwhamburgorchardpark.org
• clicnews.com
• dfwdiesel.net
• divineenterprises.net
• fantasticfilms.ru
• gardensrestaurantandcatering.com)
• ginedis.com
• gncr.org
• hdvideoforums.org
• hihanin.com
• kingfamilyphotoalbum.com)
• likaraoke.com
• mactep.org
• magic4you.nu
• marbling.pe.kr
• nacjalneg.info
• pronline.ru
• purplehoodie.com
• qsng.cn
• seksburada.net
• sportsmansclub.net
• stock888.cn
• tathli.com
• teamclouds.com
• texaswhitetailfever.com
• wadefamilytree.org
• xnescat.info
• yt118.com

Avoid the above like the plague.

Guest Article by Neil Camp