Warning: If you are a regular web reader of the New York Times, you need to exercise a bit of extra caution for the time being. The paper just issued a warning to readers that some malicious ads have found their way onto the esteemed paper's web presence. According to Peter Kafka, the attacks are likely the result of a malware scammer who is trying to spread his diseased software across the Internet.

The bad ads take the form of pop-ups that automatically re-direct your computer to various websites. You don't even have to click a thing. Thankfully, the Times believes that they have managed to kill the ads, but you should still exercise caution. If you visited today, run an anti-virus check on your computer.

Pop-up malware like this is usually relegated to the dark corners of the Internet. Warez sites and porn rings are often littered with programs like this, lying in wait for un-savvy users browsing without security. If you want to be protected, install a good pop-up blocker and make sure your anti-virus software is always up-to-date. And remember; nine times out of ten, a little vigilance is all you need.