Computer Support Blog

Google is the “King of Search”.  Now, it has another, less flattering title: “King of Malware.”  Google search results have become an Internet security threat.

The Barracuda Labs 2010 Midyear Security Report studied search engine results for ‘trending’ topics, and showed significant flaws in Google’s Internet security.

According to Barracuda, Google searches resulted in far more malware infected links – 69% – than results for Yahoo, Bing, and Twitter combined. 

Search engine results are an easy way for malware producers to trick you into compromising your Internet security.  The use of trending topics makes it easier to target these Internet security attacks.

A successful Internet security attack using malware needs to be able to reach as wide a population as possible, which Google provides.

So, how can you beef up your Internet security and protect yourself against malware infected links?  Here are some tips:

• Be Specific: Internet security attackers target simple trending topics, like celebrity names or major events, such as the recently completed World Cup. Being as specific as possible in your search, rather than just searching the trending term, can eliminate links to malware.

• Search the Results: There are many sites dedicated to Internet security and tracking malware. Before clicking on a link, put it “in quotes” into Google and search. If it’s been logged as a malicious site, you’ll find out before you click. Just be warned – not every malware infested site has been logged and new ones pop up all the time.

• Look for Warnings: Google is constantly scanning its search results for Internet security threats and malware. When a site is detected as distributing malware, Google places a warning on the results, indicating that “this site may harm your computer.” If you see this warning, avoid that link.

• Look for Relevance: Google provides a sample of the result’s URL. Does that URL seem relevant to your search? For example, if you searched for the World Cup, and the result’s URL was “http://www.findamate.com/ “, it shows little relevance. Sites like that are probably designed to attack your Internet security and should be avoided.

• Cut and Paste: Malware distribution relies on you being referred by Google and then bounced to an infected page. Entering the URL directly, by cutting and pasting it into the address bar, bypasses the Internet security attack and prevents redirection to the infected page.

Internet security attacks based on search engine manipulation are not new, or likely to go away.  Following these tips can help you avoid being victimized.

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RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

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Filed under: Internet Security, Malware, security, spyware, tips, virus