What is it?
Search engine optimization (SEO) attacks involve tuning a website to make it rank higher on search engine results. Unsuspecting users click on the results and ultimately end up on a disguised attack website.
How does it work?
Clicking on one of these results will display a fake scan page and an alert may advise you that your system is infected.
Should I be worried?
Yes, any time you do a search you need to remember how vulnerable you are to this attack.
How can I prevent it?
Anti-malware software should be running and updated and always use a software firewall which will stop many attacks. Inspect search results before clicking on them to look at the URL. If it contains directories with random text or keywords, that is a key indicator for caution. If you find yourself in the above scenario, don't panic. Close the dialog box and close the browser to make sure nothing else is downloaded. Run a full system anti-malware scan just to be safe.
Search engine optimization (SEO) attacks involve tuning a website to make it rank higher on search engine results. Unsuspecting users click on the results and ultimately end up on a disguised attack website.
How does it work?
Clicking on one of these results will display a fake scan page and an alert may advise you that your system is infected.
Should I be worried?
Yes, any time you do a search you need to remember how vulnerable you are to this attack.
How can I prevent it?
Anti-malware software should be running and updated and always use a software firewall which will stop many attacks. Inspect search results before clicking on them to look at the URL. If it contains directories with random text or keywords, that is a key indicator for caution. If you find yourself in the above scenario, don't panic. Close the dialog box and close the browser to make sure nothing else is downloaded. Run a full system anti-malware scan just to be safe.
