In the mid-190s, people began flocking to the Internet and websites started popping left and right, there was a need for a more systematic way to search for information, which leads to the birth of the optimization of search engines (SEO). Today, in addition to making it easier for users to search for information online, SEO is also used to drive traffic to websites, increase website usability, and for marketing purposes, among other things. SEO was introduced to make the online experience more user friendly. But some people take advantage of what it can do to further their malicious interests. Filling seemingly legitimate Web sites and search results with infected links, this malicious practice of SEO, called SEO poisoning is not only unacceptable, but also dangerous.
SEO poisoning brief
If SEO poisoning, cybercriminals use social engineering to create malicious Web sites filled with malware, what makes these sites appear authentic to trick users without their knowledge. They then use SEO to populate search results with links to those sites. For more victims, designers benefit from the high volume of research associated with trending topics and currently popular websites when creating fraudulent websites.
Another attack method used in the SEO poisoning is by infecting the links in an authentic site, such as images and headers. Victims who unknowingly click on an infected website link are then transferred to a malicious site when they become exposed to a number of threats, including files and robots of Troy, whilst browsing the website infected.
Once a device has been compromised, hackers will be able to do their bidding: access personal information such as credit card transactions, to prevent users to access their files and demand a ransom for the decryption key, steal identities, and turn a device in a component of their botnet, etc.
Tips to protect you
SEO poisoning is a serious threat and you can become a victim of you don 't know how to protect yourself. Here are some tips:
- Stick to trusted sites - When browsing online, be wary of sites you have never heard before, or better, keep those you 're familiar. While legitimate Web sites are still likely to be poisoned, they have a much lower chance to infect you
- Make sure your antivirus is set up to date -. Your antivirus acts like a wall between a malicious Web site and your device, and ensure that it is updated can keep a lot of new threats at bay. Although it does not provide full coverage, virus protection can go a long way
- Use the latest version of your browser -. Modern browsers are equipped with functions that use the latest technologies to identify malicious and fake sites, it is important to always update your browser to the latest version
- Be extremely careful when opening attachments -. A files with Trojan components are currently circulating around the Internet, so you need to be careful when opening attachments. Make sure they are from trusted sites
- Installing a VPN on your device -. Installing a faithful virtual private network (VPN) on your device can protect against malware attacks resulting from SEO poisoning. Best VPN for this is Hotspot Shield.
protection against free malware using Hotspot Shield
Installing Hotspot Shield on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS device protects against sites that are known to contain malicious software, the main mode of attack in case of SEO poisoning. Using a regularly updated database of more than 3.5 known malicious sites, Hotspot Shield protects you by blocking access to the infected site that you try to open. Best of all, you can get this extra protection for free download!
Apart from this, there are other features that make Hotspot Shield VPN a must for your device, such as :. Ram website, a secure, encrypted connection, IP address masking, access to US content restricted, Wi-Fi security when connected to a public hotspot, and anonymous browsing on the Internet
what do you expect? Get Hotspot Shield for your device for better security against the SEO poisoning!
0 Komentar