A recent cybersecurity study has revealed that a simple Google search can turn into a dangerous trap. Experts from SOPHOS have identified a case of "SEO poisoning", a technique used by cybercriminals to position malicious pages among the top search results.

The most striking example is the search for the phrase:
“Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?”

Although it seems like an innocent query, searching for it leads to manipulated links that redirect to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal data, passwords, or banking information.

These malicious sites mimic legitimate pages and may contain malware disguised as useful software. The goal is to trick users into downloading files or entering sensitive information.

🔐 How to protect yourself?

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links, even if they appear at the top of search results.
• Always verify the URL before accessing a page.
• Do not enter personal data on websites without a security certificate (https).
• Change your passwords if you believe you’ve accessed a fraudulent site.

These types of attacks are becoming increasingly frequent and harder to detect, so it’s essential to stay alert and browse cautiously.

Source: 20minutos