Last Update:11 November 2024 12:00 IST

Hackers are using new and innovative methods to exploit and steal your data, which now includes a Google search result.

Just typing these words could get you in trouble

There is an important warning for people who use the internet regularly and seek information through platforms such as Google. UK-based cybersecurity firm SOPHOS has warned of a new hacking tactic targeting users who enter certain words into their computers’ search engine.

According to a report by The New York Times, SOPHOS recommends not searching for six specific terms because they may increase the risk of cyberattacks. One example cited is “Are Bengal Cats legal in Australia?” These are the users who search; allegedly, personal information is exposed online after clicking on the top search result link. “Victims are often encouraged to click on links disguised as malicious adware or legitimate marketing, or in this case, a legitimate Google search,” the firm explained in a post.

In addition, the warning stated that hackers were seen targeting users whose searches included the word “Australia” and that the country’s citizens were more vulnerable to these cyber attacks.

SOPHOS noted that when customers click on the seemingly original search result at the top, their bank account information and personal information are captured by a program called Gootloader. Moreover, this application has the capacity to lock the user from his computer.

The cybersecurity firm argued that although the word “Bengal cats” may sound quite specialized, users do not need to enter any malicious information to be vulnerable to these attacks and for their private data to be retrieved and shared online.

These days, cybercriminals are using programs to spy on clean and innocent Google searches using a technique known as “SEO poisoning.” at the top of the page.” SOPHOS advised anyone who might fall victim to SEO poisoning to change their passwords and improve their security systems as soon as possible.

Reportedly, Hackers are stealing people’s data and even hijacking their devices using malware, which is software explicitly created to damage computers, networks, and devices. Malware; There are various types such as trojans, bots, viruses, worms, ransomware (which prevents users from accessing their computers unless they pay), and more.