This simple Google Search could infect your computer with dangerous malware
4 months, 2 weeks ago

This simple Google Search could infect your computer with dangerous malware

Live Mint  

SOPHOS, a US-based cybersecurity firm, has issued a warning to internet users about a unique cyber threat tied to a seemingly harmless search phrase: "Are Bengal Cats legal in Australia?" SEO poisoning leads to malware infection By using SEO poisoning, cybercriminals have manipulated Google’s search results to rank these malware-laden sites highly, enticing users with what appear to be legitimate links. GootLoader: Malware delivery platform The Sophos report highlights that GootLoader, an evolved malware-delivery platform that has been repurposed by cybercriminals as an "initial access as a service" tool, relies heavily on search engine optimization poisoning to trick users into clicking malicious links in their search results. They advise avoiding unusual or overly enticing search terms and being wary of search results on unfamiliar websites, as SEO-poisoned links continue to serve as a significant vector for initial malware compromises.

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History of this topic

Scam links on government sites: How SEO poisoning threatens public trust
2 months, 1 week ago

Scam links on government sites: How SEO poisoning threatens public trust

India Today  

For crores of Indians, the word "government" is synonymous with trust. Around a dozen government websites have been found "poisoned" with malicious links promoting scams, often themed around betting, investment, and cryptocurrency. In what appears to be a well-organised criminal enterprise, poorly secured government websites are injected with keywords and phrases related to popular online search topics, such as growing …

Malicious Ads in Search Results Are Driving New Generations of Scams
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Malicious Ads in Search Results Are Driving New Generations of Scams

Wired  

Malicious digital Instances of malvertising in the US were up 42 percent month-over-month in fall 2023 and increased another 41 percent from July to September of this year, according to data from the security firm Malwarebytes. Jérôme Segura, senior director of threat intelligence at Malwarebytes, emphasizes that a particularly effective place for potential victims to encounter malicious ads is in …

The words and phrases you should NEVER Google or your computer could get hacked
4 months, 1 week ago

The words and phrases you should NEVER Google or your computer could get hacked

Daily Mail  

Searching on Google might seem like one of the safest things to do online. Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, told MailOnline: 'SEO poisoning is a tactic used by cybercriminals to manipulate search engine results and then direct users to malicious websites which often look genuine. Cybersecurity experts have revealed the seven common words and phrases that you should …

Typing these 6 words on Google could make you a target for hackers
4 months, 1 week ago

Typing these 6 words on Google could make you a target for hackers

Hindustan Times  

Hackers are now targeting people who type in a combination of words in search engines on their computers, according to an urgent warning by cybersecurity company SOPHOS, reported the New York Times. People who type into Google “Are Bengal Cats legal in Australia?” have reportedly had their personal information posted online after clicking on a link which appears at the …

Searching THIS line on Google could expose you to hacking and financial ruin
Trending News
4 months, 1 week ago

Searching THIS line on Google could expose you to hacking and financial ruin

India TV News  

Security researchers are sounding the alarm about a dangerous trend involving Google Search. The cybersecurity firm SOPHOS has flagged a particular phrase that, when searched on Google, can lead cyber criminals straight to your personal information—endangering your bank account in the process. Targeting Personal Information Cyber criminals are honing in on specific keywords that people frequently search for, leveraging SEO …

Urgent warning: Don't type these six words or your computer could be HACKED
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Urgent warning: Don't type these six words or your computer could be HACKED

Daily Mail  

Cybersecurity experts warn that a new hacking campaign is targeting people who share an extremely specific set of interests. Hackers have used a technique called SEO poisoning to hijack the search results for this specific six-word phrase What is SEO poisoning? Search engine optimization poisoning, otherwise known as malvertising, is a technique by which hackers use search engines to make …

Google’s threat to pull search engine draws testy response in Australia
4 years, 2 months ago

Google’s threat to pull search engine draws testy response in Australia

LA Times  

Mel Silva, managing director of Google Australia and New Zealand, appears via video link during an Australian Senate inquiry Friday. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison quickly hit back, saying: “We don’t respond to threats.” “Australia makes our rules for things you can do in Australia,” Morrison told reporters in Brisbane. And that’s how things work here in Australia.” Morrison’s comments …

Google finds about 9,500 new malicious websites every day
12 years, 9 months ago

Google finds about 9,500 new malicious websites every day

Firstpost  

Combating malware, in an age where ignorance could leave one with an infected system is crucial and Google with their Safe Browser aimed at protecting scores of users from the dangers of malware and phishing. Now five years on its Safe Browsing route, Google has in an official blog post revealed that each day they discover about 9,500 malicious websites. …

Google Takes Safe Browsing to the Next Level
13 years, 11 months ago

Google Takes Safe Browsing to the Next Level

Firstpost  

Malware isn’t an alien term anymore. In almost every session of computer usage, one comes across several malicious websites. Through their authored concept of Safe Browsing API, Google has attempted to reduce system infections, the majority of which happen because of drive-by downloads. Despite safe browsing being held as the best thing to have happened to internet security issues, we …

Top Search Topics Return Malicious Results
14 years, 7 months ago

Top Search Topics Return Malicious Results

Firstpost  

According to a new Norton study, more than one in three of the top-trending search terms returned at least 10 percent malicious results, putting people’s computers and personal information at risk from cybercrime. At the peak of their popularity, these two particular search terms returned a staggering 99 malicious links out of the first 100 results. This week, celebrity news, …

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