Google search term leaves you open to hackers and there's six words you must avoid at all costs

Experts have issued a stark warning that typing in the term "Are Bengal cats legal in Australia" into Google could lead to severe repercussions for the user. Cybercriminals have exploited this search term, setting up bogus websites that can unleash harmful malware onto the user's computer if clicked.

This malware is capable of stealing personal and financial information, as well as granting hackers remote access to the device. The compromised computer can then become a conduit for spreading the malicious software further.

This tactic, known as "poisoning" of search results, was identified by specialists at cybersecurity firm Sophos. Sean Gallagher, a cybersecurity researcher at the British company, explained: "When you do a Google search and it says 'there aren't very many good answers for this', that's an opportunity [for hackers]. They can say, 'OK, I'm going to build a website that appears to answer this question, and I'm going to use it for malicious purposes'."

Mr Gallagher also remarked on the irony that Bengal cats are considered "very dangerous" in Australia, hence their controversial status.

The specific search term targeted is quite unique, often with only thousands of searches, but it represents a broader method known as "SEO (search engine optimisation) poisoning". Hackers focus on these less competitive terms to easily achieve a top-rated result from a search query, reports the Mirror.

Sophos, the cybersecurity firm based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, has reported that SEO poisoning is not a new threat, having been around since 2020, but noted "we've seen continued growth in this approach to initial compromise, with several massive campaigns using this technique over the past year". Cybercriminals have also attempted to manipulate search results for widely-used software such as Blender 3D, a graphics software programme, Photoshop, and various financial trading tools, as well as software enabling remote computer access.

To steer clear of being "poisoned", it's crucial to scrutinise the web address before clicking on any search result. Be wary of misspellings or odd domain names, and be cautious of websites that trigger unexpected downloads or ask for sensitive information.

It's also vital to keep your browser and operating system updated, as the latest versions are designed to close off the most recent vulnerabilities targeted by hackers.