"Downloaded File", Malware from ads?

[insomniac]

On nearly every page now it seems something (probably one of the ads) is sending identical little files called "Downloaded File" to my computer.

It doesn't give me any chance to refuse the download, and I don't click on the ads before this starts happening, so I don't know if it's some kind of Trojan or spyware, or how wide spread it is that these downloads happen to users. I have an ancient Mac laptop so as far as I can tell for me, the files download and then do nothing to my computer except take up space. However, if it is some kind of malware it may be harmful to other users, so some measure should be taken to circumvent it.

It was initially just happening once in a while on isolated cryptogram pages, but now it seems to be happening on most pages, several times per page. (I've done one cryptogram tonight and so far 16 copies of this file have downloaded themselves to my computer.) I haven't noticed which ads are present when this happens, but I will watch and note, and in the meantime I thought I should pass the word, in case it's something that may harm other players.

Anyone else noticed this?

[damsel22]

"Downloaded File"

Hey Insomniac,
I haven't experienced this specifically, but my Malware Bytes program often picks up malware in the pc, which I use almost exclusively to play on this site and to accommodate my "magic jack". Otherwise, I use my laptop for everything else-I just can't get the necessary speed to compete here using my laptop mouse and flat keyboard. Probably so used to this, I guess. I don't click on any of the ads here unless I do so accidentally, yet I often have malware. Stephen (admin) may be the best one to ask.

[insomniac]

Not sure how to ask a mod. Do they check the forums and might see the thread?

[imported_Lurker]

He does, or you can email him. Attaching screenshots helps.

I don't suppose you're in California? I've been getting a Virgin Mobile ad that's running some kind of incompatible Flash and slowing down my Mac to a crawl. Fixed the problem with everything else. It's just the one ad now. Maybe related to your problem, an ad trying to download something to make it more compatible?