As is the case with most big news stories, hackers know people will be searching the net for news articles, pictures, videos, etc. They use various techniques including search engine optimization to lure users to sites with infected content. Once there, the hackers either use malicious files that scan computers for vulnerabilities to exploit, or attempt to convince users to download rogue antivirus or spyware programs.
As this Network World article points out, “Hackers love a big, breaking story…” “This is one of those rare opportunities that can build you a great list and a couple of zeros in your profit,” an anonymous hacker crowed. “Use it while the news of Bin Laden killed by US forces is hot. I just started one and it had 600 likes in 2 minutes.”
The techniques to protect your computers from exploit are, as usual, a layered approach. Make sure you use and update antivirus. Keep your operating system and ALL applications up-to-date with the latest security patches. These steps alone act like a an alarm company sign in your front yard, and are often enough to make attackers move on to the next house on the block. Of course, there are many more controls that can help protect your computers such as restricted access, web content filtering, etc.
If you’re unsure if your computers’ AV, operating system, and applications are up-to-date with the latest security patches, sign-up for a free trial of PCSentry.
