What does it mean for a web page to be "defaced" in a drive-by download attack?

In the context of a drive-by download attack, a web page being "defaced" means that it has been altered to appear malicious while still presenting itself as legitimate. This manipulation can involve changing the content or visuals on the page, often to mislead visitors into thinking they are on a trusted site when, in fact, the page has been compromised.

Defaced web pages commonly maintain the appearance of their original function, which can trick users into downloading malware or exposing personal information. The act of defacement typically aims to exploit user trust, leveraging the familiar look and feel of the legitimate site, even though the underlying intent is malicious in nature. Thus, users may unwittingly engage with the altered content, increasing the risk of a successful attack.

This scenario highlights the importance of verifying website authenticity and being cautious with downloads, as legitimate-looking pages can lead to significant security breaches.