Googling may seem harmless, but cybersecurity experts have revealed that certain words and phrases can put you at risk of falling victim to hackers.
This warning comes after cybersecurity company Sophos issued an urgent alert on its website, asking people not to type six specific words into their search engines: “Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?”
SEO poisoning and cybercriminal tactics
According to Forbes, Jake Moore, global cybersecurity adviser at ESET, explained to the Daily Mail that a technique called “SEO poisoning” allows cybercriminals to manipulate search engine results to direct users to malicious websites that they control.
“When users click on these links, they are taken to sites that expose them to malware, which can compromise the computer’s security and potentially lead to data theft or device infections,” Moore said.
Five words and phrases to avoid googling
To avoid the risk of being hacked, here are five words and phrases that cybersecurity experts advise against entering into Google:
Customer Service Numbers
Scammers often purchase ads to appear at the top of search results, tricking users into calling misleading phone numbers. Instead, experts suggest going straight to the company’s official website for contact information.
Moneymaking Searches
Scammers exploit people in financial distress with false advertisements for easy and immediate loans. Searching for “quick moneymaking schemes” often leads to pyramid schemes. Seek financial services from recognized banks and lenders instead.
Google Authenticator
Cybercriminals imitate actual products by promoting fake links to the Google Authenticator app. Clicking “download” on these false links installs malware designed to steal personal data.
Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire
Researchers discovered that this specific phrase led to links with embedded viruses hidden in downloadable PDFs. If something downloads unexpectedly, experts advise conducting a virus scan and removing the file.
Online Viagra
Scammers use the “pharma hack” to create fake pages advertising knockoff pharmaceuticals. Clicking these links can lead to giving away personal information and purchasing fake products that could harm one’s health.
