Featured Image Credit: Getty stock images
Topics: Technology, Australia, Hacks
Sara Keenan
Cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm over a new hacking method targeting people through something as simple as a search query.
Hackers have identified a specific phrase that users might type into search engines, and they're exploiting it to launch malicious attacks.
This sneaky tactic allows cybercriminals to spread harmful software, potentially putting personal and financial information at risk.
Here's what you need to know to stay safe and avoid falling victim to this latest online trend...
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Computer users Googling whether Bengal cats are legal to own are the victims of this rather strange cyberattack.
Yep, that's right. Those who have Googled 'Are Bengal Cats legal in Australia?' have reportedly had their personal information stolen after clicking on fraudulent links that appear near the top of the page.
Cybersecurity company SOPHOS has issued an urgent warning on its website, asking people not to type the six words into their search engines.
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They explained the program being used to hack is GootLoader, which was once used exclusively by the cybercriminals behind REVil ransomeware and the Gootkit banking trojan.
"GootLoader is known for using search engine optimisation (SEO) poisoning for its initial access," they stated.
"Victims are often enticed into clicking on malicious adware or links disguised as legitimate marketing, or in this case a legitimate Google search directing the user to a compromised website hosting a malicious payload masquerading as the desired file."
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Currently, the dangerous links only appear in the search results when the word 'Australia' is included, meaning those in the sunny side of Aus are the most at risk.
Once users click on a search result, they have personal information, such as bank details, stolen via Gootloader.
The program is also capable of locking users out of their own computers, according to SOPHOS.
"As is typical of Gootloader, the new variant was found to be using SEO poisoning - the use of search engine optimisation tactics to put malicious websites," SOPHOS said.
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The company claims that the hacking threat is even more alarming due to the search term that they are targeting.
They have now urged those who believe they may have been a victim of SEO poisoning to alter their passwords as soon as possible.
I'm guessing you may want to know now if Bengal cats are legal in Australia? Unfortunately, we aren't willing to risk our personal information to check right now...