By now you've probably heard about it, as it has been on all the major news sites:  Network Associates has released a study indicating that roughly 5% of search results for popular keywords will lead to malicious sites (sites that either install automatically, or prompt the user to install software containing various types of malware, including adware, spyware, and viruses).

As with all such studies, you should question the motives of the people who paid for it.  In this case, the study was commissioned by Network Associates themselves.  Why?  Because they are flogging a product they recently purchased called SiteAdvisor.  This product purports to warn you if you are about to visit a web site that is considered 'malicious'.

This is not to  say that the study is without merit or the results are bogus.  In fact, Network Associates is letting you have a copy of the SiteAdvisor program for the cost of a download.  I can't speak to the effectiveness of the program, as I haven't used it, but for the cost and what it does it sounds like it might be worth looking into.

Have you used the application?  Do you think you might?  Tell us, in the forums!