Cyberattacks do not only affect large companies like Free, SFR, Boulanger and, recently, Auchan. Individuals can also be trapped just by… doing online research! Cybersecurity company Sophos recently warned of a worrying technique targeting users of Google, which is the most visited site in the world.
Imagine typing a harmless question into Google, like: “Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?” This phrase seems harmless, but it’s part of a new type of trap that cybersecurity experts have discovered. When a user does this search, all the results offered are fraudulent. Cybercriminals have modified SEO so that dangerous links appear first. Clicking on these results leads to booby-trapped sites that may steal your personal data through malware.
This technique, called SEO Poisoning (“SEO poisoning”) consists of manipulating search results so that dangerous links appear first, instead of reliable sites. Although this technique was spotted in Australia for a specific search, it could extend to other frequent queries, such as cooking recipes or health advice.
How to protect yourself?
To avoid falling into the trap, there are some tips. First of all, pay attention to the links, Don’t click on any link in Google results. Check the URL at the top of the page, especially if there are spelling mistakes in the address, this is a red flag. Afterwards, vcheck site security : A padlock next to the URL indicates that the connection is secure. And then, nDon’t share sensitive information : If a site asks for personal data such as your credit card number without a valid reason, close the page immediately. By following these few precautions, you can reduce the risks of this type of cyberattack. Vigilance is the key to safe navigation.
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