Cybersecurity experts warn that typing some common phrases on the Google search engine could expose users to the risk of hacking.

According to recent reports, hackers have exploited Google search results to trap victims, such as the question "Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?", where they hacked search results to direct users to malicious sites.

What is "search engine poisoning"?

Hackers rely on a technique called "search engine poisoning", where they manipulate Google search results by placing links to malicious sites at the top of the results. When clicking on these links, users are taken to hacked websites that contain malware that is automatically downloaded onto computers, which puts users' information at risk and may lead to the theft of personal data or the installation of ransomware.

Now, experts have revealed a set of words and phrases that users should avoid searching for on Google to protect their devices from security threats, which are:

- "Customer service number"

Internet hackers buy ads for terms such as "customer service number" to make their malicious sites appear in the first search results. Many users mistake these links for legitimate ones and click on them, only to discover later that they are dealing with scammers trying to steal their personal information.

Experts advise checking customer service numbers through the official websites of companies instead of relying on Google search results.

- "Easy loans"

Cybercriminals are exploiting people in financial distress with very tempting offers that "seem like a one-time opportunity to get easy loans."

Search results for terms such as "easy loans" or "high-paying remote jobs" are manipulated to lure victims to sites containing malware.

After entering these sites, the victim may be asked to provide banking information or download malicious software that allows scammers to take control of their device.

- "Google Authenticator"

In an attempt to phish Internet users looking for security applications such as Google Authenticator, cybercriminals have started purchasing fraudulent ads that lead to sites that mimic the popular application.

When clicking on these links, users are asked to download a fake application that contains malware. This results in the user's personal data being stolen or their device being infected with viruses.

Experts advise avoiding clicking on fake ads and going directly to official app stores.

- "Sports Mental Strength Survey"

Google poisoning attacks are not limited to general phrases, but can also target specific groups of people. For example, security researchers discovered a scam campaign targeting sports fans, where the phrase "Sports Mental Strength Survey" was included in search results. When clicking on links associated with the phrase, malicious PDF files containing malware are downloaded that automatically install viruses on the victim's device.

It is advisable to be careful when downloading files and to check their sources.

- "Viagra Online"

Hacking websites selling counterfeit medicines has become a common method used by hackers to target users.

Many WordPress websites have been hacked and provided with fake links promoting Viagra and counterfeit medicines. These sites appear in search results as legitimate, making users believe that they are purchasing genuine medicines, when in fact they are dealing with fraudulent sites.

Experts advise avoiding clicking on links that promote online medications, and only searching official websites.

Source: Daily Mail - https://ar.rt.com/yp7l