Google is probably one of the online services that we all use at least once a day, whether it’s searching for a query or finding something to buy.
Although recent search results are off the mark, they are generally safe to use. I’ll talk about that another time.
What we’re facing now are the hidden risks associated with Google search. This not only puts your device and personal data at risk, but can also bring law enforcement into your sights. This is no exaggeration and I will explain how below.
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woman typing on laptop (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Hidden dangers in niche queries
cyber security company Published by Sophos The company has an emergency warning posted on its website asking people not to type six words into search engines. People searching Google for “Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?” have reportedly had their personal information stolen after clicking on a fraudulent link that appears near the top of the page.
It is unclear why the hackers launched this unusually specific campaign. The only reason I can think of is that they are targeting the Australian demographic and the phrase “Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?” It will help you rank better on Google search engine results pages.
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
Anyone searching to find out if Bengal cats are legal in Australia (which they are, if you’re curious) risks being targeted by the GootLoader malware. This malware is spread through SEO tactics in which hackers display infected links higher in search results. When users search for terms such as legal documents or contracts, they may click on a dangerous link that takes them to a website that hosts a ZIP file containing harmful code.
Once this malware enters your computer, it opens the door to a second, more dangerous piece of malware called GootKit. GootKit is designed to steal personal information and allow hackers to remotely control devices.
Google search engine image (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Confessions of victims of fraud by cyber criminals
Hackers aren’t the only ones watching Google Search
Hackers are targeting Google Search, but they’re not the only ones monitoring your searches. Law enforcement, your workplace IT department, and your communications provider can also view your search activity. One couple reportedly learned this the hard way when police showed up at their door after searching just four words: “pressure cooker bomb” and “backpack.”
Michele Catalano and her husband from Long Island, New York, were looking for household items online, but soon encountered an unexpected problem. Michelle, a freelance writer, was considering purchasing a pressure cooker, and her husband was in need of a new backpack. They each searched for items separately.
But two days later, just before leaving work, my husband retrieved both items from his work computer. His former employer’s IT staff flagged these searches and reported them to the local Suffolk County Police Department. Shortly after, several black SUVs showed up at the couple’s home, and police said they wanted to check for any safety threats.
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people doing google search (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Protect yourself from tech support scams
5 ways to stay safe when searching for something on Google
1. Avoid clicking on ads and suspicious links: Be wary of ads and unfamiliar links that appear at the top of search results. Hackers often use SEO poisoning to place dangerous links in prominent positions. Therefore, try to use reliable websites and known sources.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install strong antivirus software on all your devices. This protection also warns you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
2. Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your Internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers, ISPs, or other third parties to track your online activities and searches. Many sites can read your IP address and, depending on your privacy settings, may show you the city you are communicating from. A VPN spoofs your IP address and displays a different location. For the best VPN software, check out my expert reviews of the best VPNs to browse the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
3. Enable Safe Search: Google’s SafeSearch filter helps block explicit and potentially harmful content. This is especially useful for filtering out unsafe links and improving search safety.
4. Limit your personal data on Google: Adjust your Google Account privacy settings to minimize data collection such as search history, location tracking, and ad personalization. You can access these settings from the “My Activity” section of your Google Account.
5. Use private browsing or clear your history: You can reduce search tracking by using Incognito mode or clearing your browsing history regularly. It won’t hide your activity from your ISP or law enforcement, but it will limit the data Google can store on your device.
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Cart important points
Bad actors are always trying to exploit the digital media you use, whether it’s social media or Google search. The question is how malicious websites that put users at risk easily appear on the first page of Google. While the search giant claims to prioritize useful content this year, the ease with which hackers can manipulate search results suggests that Google is doing just the opposite. I don’t have much hope for Google to improve its platform, but you can stay safe by avoiding questionable links and using extreme caution.
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