Google Searchers Could End Up Bugged
By: Web Producer
Updated: April 1, 2008
Google Searchers Could End Up With New Bug
Computer users performing a Google search could end up being hijacked to a hackers website.
"USA Today" reports some cybercrooks are manipulating the computer code in hopes of taking over the computers of unsuspecting users.
Security experts say the vulnerability happens when someone does a Google search, then clicks on a result that has been secretly tainted by hackers.
Users then will usually be taken to the Web page they expect, but at the same time, they are invisibly redirected to a computer server that installs a hidden program.
The hidden program enables hackers to use the PC to spread spam and carry out scams. It can also lets the attacker embed a keystroke logger, which collects and transmits passwords and any other sensitive data thats typed online.
Computer security analysts say most Google search results are safe and that consumers can protect themselves by keeping anti-virus subscriptions and software updates current.
They say running an anti-virus scan may help repair infected PCs, although more serious fixes may be necessary.
(Copyright 2008 by Newsroom Solutions)
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