MALWARE DISTRIBUTION BY POISONING THE SEARCH ENGINE

Posted: Jun 23, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

Are you familiar with the term "Poisoning the Search Engine"? Well, this is the technique that hackers and attackers are using these days to fool you to redirect to malicious sites. However, you can get rid of those through some tech support. Learn more about this.

Attackers are using the Black Hat Search Engine Optimization technique to get higher search rankings in an unethical manner and then redirect users to malicious sites. These malicious sites distribute "fake antivirus" software to the utter discomfort of the user. Its characteristics are as follows:

•    Breaks search engine rules and regulations.

•    Creates a poor user experience directly.

•    Unethically presents content in a visual or non-visual way.

The Method

How does it exactly happen? Let us consider a particular malicious web-content writer who wants users to hit the malicious site unknowingly and then download some virus software. He will use PHP based tools to make a website in such a way that, if any user search on the web with a specific keyword, then it will take the user to the wrong and unscrupulous site. This is done by a method, which we know as "poisoning the browser". The search engine uses a computer algorithm, popularly known as the "spider", which "sniffs" for sites related to the searched keyword. Now in some unscrupulous way, he fools the search engine to get higher rankings of the malicious website. As a result, he easily redirects the customer to the fraudulent site. One only need to embed a powerful java-script into a tempting flash based content and the moment you click on it, your computer is infected with a virus!! For example, let us say that "abc.com" is a popular website and a malicious website is created using sub-domains with the same key word like "yyy.abc.com". A search on the basis of the keyword "abc" might lead a user to the fake website and then a virus infection to the computer is only a doorstep away. So it is the mix of topical keywords and phrases together with links of the site to other SEO pages that fools the search engine.


Being Safe

The question is how to remain secure from this new threat? A few things can be considered.

•    URL Filtering (Can be done by the user or security advisor of the user)

•    Content Inspection (Can be done by both the user and the System Analysts of the Search Engine).

•    Thwarting the use of active content related to java-script like Mal/FakeAvJsA by Antivirus software at the user's end by. You can do it by configuring the security options of Internet Explorer or Mozilla or whatever the browser you are using.

•    Web Hosting itself should have better security features for the sake of the common users.

•    Know the features of your antivirus to have a better knowledge on security breaches. Too much of filtering will not let you do the normal day to day work and vice versa. There is always a trade off between security and speed of performance. The antivirus software will not let any registry corrections to be made without your permission. The feature of heuristic analysis is always a good option while choosing your antivirus software.

•    For any unusual behavior by your computer, always contact a help desk specialist. The problem might not be related to a virus at all. It could be a simple corruption in the operating system. So act smart to fix your problem.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/malware-distribution-by-poisoning-the-search-engine-2713282.html

    Article Tags:

    computer repair

    ,

    tech support

    ,

    computer support

    ,

    computer help

    ,

    computer services

    ,

    online technical support

    ,

    remote tech support

    Concise averted tragic results for hundreds of its business and residential customers with its swift computer trouble shooting software.

    By: Concise Computerl Computers> Data Recoveryl Nov 04, 2009

    Certainly you are getting irritated by your older computer problems. Frequent Internet freezes and computer lags are destroying your sanity. To save your day here are some computer repair tips that can help you in speeding up your old computer.

    By: James Madisonl Computers> Hardwarel May 18, 2010

    Round the clock service, quick in solving the problem, less service charges, expertise in solving different issues and many more are the characteristics of online technical support.

    By: John Singh Petersonl Computers> Softwarel Aug 01, 2011

    This article compares the Pros and Cons involved with Online Computer Repair and local computer repair stores.

    By: Sachin Patill Computersl Oct 07, 2011

    Outsourcing of technical needs have made things much easier than they were earlier. Tech support service provider works round the clock and makes you satisfied with great services that are offered via call or online. You can receive a high level of satisfaction with your online tech support service provider.

    By: George Cullenl Business> Business Ideasl Jan 18, 2010

    Our computer dependency is increasing day by day. So, if your computers malfunction or go wrong on any day, it will definitely deal a great blow to the continuance of our daily life. Better then to know different options about computer repair services.

    By: John Singh Petersonl Computers> Softwarel Aug 10, 2011

    An in depth look at the new MMORPG from Blizzard Entertainment known as Diablo III, a long awaited release for Diablo fans.

    By: swtorman90l Computersl Jun 01, 2012

    Most small businesses take advantage of computer technology, and it certainly can make things a lot easier for everyone within the business when you do so properly. Unfortunately, there are also a number of different problems that can occur as a result of the technology that you are using.

    By: Jesus Mattsonl Computersl May 31, 2012

    For any restaurants, it is very important to have vigilant end to end point of sale and service. If someone is new to the business of making and serving meals, it's very important to have a clear cut observation on point to point service to sale.

    By: Jack Authorsl Computersl May 30, 2012

    Small business financial software plays a vital role in the operations of an organization especially the small enterprises. This is where you get the opportunity to keep the record of all the financial activities that are occurring in your organization.

    By: Chris Alexanderl Computersl May 29, 2012

    Wireless is one of the best ways in order to get internet to a laptop or a computer, but if you want to sell wireless items in the US or Canada, you need to be sure you pass the wireless testing and you get the FCC certification to prove it.

    By: Jack Bandyl Computersl May 29, 2012

    Want to setup wireless router but don't know how to do it? The process is simple; just you need to follow some steps. Explore this article and get useful tips to setup wireless router.

    By: James Madisonl Computers> Hardwarel Jun 03, 2011

    In order to enjoy safe and secure browsing, there must be adequate protection on your computer. You need to follow a number of security measures for computer virus protection. Go through this article and learn more about them.

    By: James Madisonl Computers> Hardwarel Jun 02, 2011

    Is your computer having startup problem? PC startup problems could occur due to various reasons and different troubleshooting approaches are required to deal with them. Explore this article to get the ways to fix some common startup problems.

    By: James Madisonl Computers> Hardwarel Jun 01, 2011

    Computer problems could crop up anytime without any prior notice. There might be problem with hard drive (HDD), memory (RAM), motherboard & processor (CPU), power supply (PSU) and CD/DVD disc drives. Explore this article and learn how to test for hardware failures.

    By: James Madisonl Computers> Hardwarel May 31, 2011

    Are you formatting your current computer or buying a new PC and thinking which file system to choose? NTFS or New Technology File System is better choice than FAT. Go through this article and learn more about this.

    By: James Madisonl Computers> Softwarel May 30, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast