Issue
I downloaded a not-so-reputable website to my desktop as a way to grab the images on the site. I tried opening the HTML and then I remembered hearing that opening a local file in a browser is different from opening a website. Something about http:// and file:/// allowing different levels of access to my computer. Unsure if I should just re-install windows just to be safe.
I tried scanning the website folder with microsoft defender and it said that no threats were found but IDK how foolproof microsoft defender is.
Solution
It absolutely can cause issues. That said, with good security settings on your device, the most likely worst-case situation would simply be adware, spyware, or bloatware in-browser. A truly experienced hacker could certainly place malicious files into their site for unsuspecting users to download, but as long as there are only JS scripts (or PHP, so long as PHP isn't installed on your device), you should be fine device-wise (NOTE: If you have NodeJS, and the JS utilizes that, that's the only issue JS might pose). If there are other file types, like .EXE, .BAT, .BASH, .CMD, etc., that's where the problem arises.
In terms of browser issues, they would only show up when loading the file, or in cookies/local storage. Check those places, and you should get a decent idea of the situation. If your device shows signs of device-wide malware, though, you should probably run additional antivirus programs/scans, using other WELL KNOWN AND REPUTABLE sources (in addition to Windows Antivirus). If that doesn't work, consider restarting the device (Windows will usually auto-fix corrupt files on restart), running a DEVICE wide scan, or, in more drastic situations, reinstalling Windows (Back your data up, then use a custom install. The only thing that could potentially survive a custom install is a rootkit, and there's no way a website got that onto your device.).
Answered By - Cybertine
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