How to block malicious websites using the HOSTS file

Malware is often bundled with browser hijackers. Browser hijackers redirect web browser to rogue websites. These websites are dangerous because they are the storefronts set up to sell fraudulent products and services. Depending on your browser settings some of the websites opened by browser hijackers are able to infect your computer without any notification.

Find and open the HOSTS file.The Hosts file is located in WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc.
Open the file using Notepad or any other text editor.

Type an entry containing the website you want to block.The entry must have two parts: an IP address and the address of the website you want to block.

Choose 127.0.0.1 as an IP address, leave a space and then type the address of the rogue website. Here’s an example:

You can find a very comprehensive blocklist at http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt

For more information on the hosts file and how it can be used check out my earlier post HERE