News

"Top results Poisoned"

 
It’s estimated that on average 30% of the top search results lead to a minimum of one malicious URL; poisoned search results are now one of the most persistent threats online.
 
The intention is to entice you to click on links that lead you to download malicious, fake anti-virus software. Cyber criminals choose popular search terms, across a wide range of interests, from top TV shows to sports events and business news, to lure you in.
 
If they succeed, a page presenting a fake message prompt is displayed. These messages request you check the false scanning results, which are designed to scare you into buying a fake antivirus program.
 
So, how can you tell if your search results are poisonous?
 
The URLs for these types of sites tend to follow this pattern:

 
  
Not only that, but the title of the page - the text that appears in bold heading style in search results lists - is generally the same as the keywords used.

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