CyberDefender Corporation, a provider of Internet security software, utilities and Live PC Support services that work together to maximize online safety for consumers, has issued a warning to consumers planning any last minute searches on the Internet for Halloween costume purchases.
CyberDefender has identified a dangerous Anti-Virus/Trojan downloader currently infecting searches for Halloween costumes. Upon encounter, the fake antivirus installer hijacks the user's Internet browser and initiates a malicious process which can infect home PCs, creating a complete slowdown while compromising sensitive information.
"Popular Search terms have always been a target for cyber criminals," says Achal Khetarpal, Director, CyberDefender Research Labs. "Users should only click trusted links or type in the site address they want into the search bar. And before they even go looking, they should check that their PC has an active Internet protection suite. Anti-spyware software is the best prevention against intrusion of malware."
Parents interested in doing a safe search can follow these tips:
- Make sure you have a security software suite installed in your computer(like CyberDefender's Early Detection Center, for example).
- Check that your software subscription is active and that all updates have been installed.
- Go to the website you are interested in directly (putting the link into the address bar) instead of clicking on links found through Google. This will save you from being re-directed to an infected site.
- Be extra careful when searching for any hot topics such as holiday or celebrities. They're prime targets for malware authors. Look for pages hosted by a site you know (like AOL, MSN and Yahoo!).
Cybercriminals target topics currently popular to search on Google, a practice called SEO (search engine optimization) poisoning. Users querying the topics click on infected links which result with their internet browser hijacked and copious amounts of malware and adware downloaded instantly, all of which in turn affect performance and security.
About CyberDefender
CyberDefender Corporation is a provider of Internet security software, utilities and Live PC Support services that work together to ensure maximum safety for consumers in a digital world. The company develops and markets antispyware/antivirus software and remote, live tech support services. In addition, CyberDefender offers identity protection and computer optimization services. |
