Scammers exploit Google Doodle to spread malware2009-12-16 10:01 by DanielaTags: Google Doodle, malware, SEO poisoning
Online scammers are taking advantage of the public's interest in the Google Doodle to spread malware, a security firm warned on Tuesday. In so-called "SEO poisoning," scammers use search engine optimization techniques to increase the distribution of malware. They create special malware-rigged Web sites or hide malware on legitimate Web sites they've compromised and then use tags associated with popular search terms to get them listed high up in search engine results. Typically, scammers capitalize on public interest in news events or celebrities, targeting searches like "Swine Flu" or "Michael Jackson death." But in the latest twist on this technique, scammers are exploiting interest in the Google Doodle, the graphics that often take over the Google logo on holidays or to mark special events. For instance, the doodle on Tuesday showed a flag for Esperanto, a universal language created by L.L. Zamenhof which is based on parts from a variety of languages. Clicking on the doodle, located near the search box, brings up a list of search terms for "L.L. Zamenhof." Dave Michmerhuizen, a research scientist at Barracuda Networks, found 31 poisoned sites among the first 100 results, 27 of them in the first 50 sites alone. Read more -here-
Post your review/comments
rate:
avg:
|