Topic: Free printable item searches may lead to malware

[Clive]

Anyone using the search term 'free printable' should be on the lookout for websites infected with malware, security experts have warned.

Trend Micro has discovered a cybercriminal campaign that uses SEO (search engine optimisation) techniques to infect the results of searches for items such as printable discount vouchers or gift certificates.

"We are strongly advising users not to use search strings that include the words 'free printable', as the results may lead to malicious websites," said Trend Micro's JM Hipolito.

"Our researchers have found that search engine queries using the string yield results that include compromised websites. The redirections ultimately lead to a rogue search engine, which by default puts the originally used search string into its own search text box," Hipolito continued.

Though Trend Micro said that the criminals behind the campaign appeared to only be redirecting surfers through a different search engine in order to make money, they warned that the hackers could just as easily redirect to a compromised website serving malware.

"It would be very easy for cybercriminals to change the final landing site of the redirections to a malware-hosting site," Hipolito warned

[Rik]

How long before Google becomes considered too risky, I wonder?

[Simon]

It's getting that way.  I wonder if they could include some sort of anti malware protention with their searches?

[Rik]

I suspect they are going to have to...