Privacy, Security & Virus Information

Look out for an Especially Attractive Web Site - Hackers may be using SEO to get them to the Top of the Charts

The global virus wars seem to be reaching fresh peaks. The latest potential chink in a computer's armour that hackers are trying to exploit is, believe it or not, booby trapped web sites. This latest ploy more than any other displays the obvious lucrative profits to be earned by successfully planting malware onto a computer, in the hope that it will then spread across the web.

The planning and finance of building a website and marketing it through traditional search engine optimization processes (SEO) can be considerable, which only goes to show that the returns these virtual pirates will receive on their investments will justify it. They use the most sophisticated SEO techniques to promote a website that they have built to the top of certain categories in the leading search engines or even go as far as setting up bogus companies to purchase advertisements to push their sites to the top of the search result pages. Their presence in these spots adds credibility to make them look like the genuine article. Research has show that almost fifteen percent of the high profile marketing orientated "get rich quick" type web sites contain malicious software. (Malware).

Reports are that this method has proven successful for malware spreaders. Once the formula has been established it can be readily adapted to changing search trends. These bogus web sites are difficult to detect, and once they are, another site can be rapidly developed in the same niche or any other and promoted to a number one spot in next to no time.

Hackers have apparently developed some very intricate methods of checking on the security levels of legitimate websites, and have apparently succeeded in infiltrating quite a few. Malware is usually injected into websites via "user-generated content," such as news items, posted links, and comments for those sites that invite them.

The web sites hold a special attraction as they already figure in the best spots in the top search engines and have been through various security filters, and are considered "safe" or "trusted". These web sites constantly maintain vigilance on outside content, but the hackers have apparently discovered methods to overcome the vigilance.

No matter the source, malicious websites are yet another challenge that the internet user will have to face in the future. There is no doubt that it is becoming increasingly difficult for the average web surfer to know who, or what, to trust online. Instead they should place their trust in the professionals, the companies who develop cutting edge anti- virus software that will provide the ultimate in protection from every form of computer virus.

 

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