Google warning over bizarre six-word search term that could expose you to hackers

Experts have warned that entering "Are Bengal cats legal in Australia" into Google could have severe consequences for the user. Cybercriminals have taken advantage of this peculiar and very specific search query, creating fraudulent websites that can deploy harmful malware onto the user's computer upon visiting the site.

This malware is designed to steal personal data, financial details, and login information, also allowing hackers remote access to the infected device, which can further propagate the malicious software.

The exploit, termed "search result poisoning," was identified by experts at cybersecurity company Sophos. Sean Gallagher, a cybersecurity expert at the UK-based firm, said: "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'."

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With a hint of irony, Mr Gallagher noted that Bengal cats are deemed "very dangerous" hence their bad reputation in Australia, where they are not highly esteemed. The targeted search term is rather unique, usually only garnering thousands of searches, but it's indicative of a wider technique called "SEO (search engine optimisation) poisoning".

Hackers target such phrases as the competition for achieving high search results is low reports the Express.

Sophos, a company based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, has revealed that SEO poisoning has been a prevalent issue since 2020. They stated: "we've seen continued growth in this approach to initial compromise, with several massive campaigns using this technique over the past year".

Hackers have also tried to manipulate searches for popular software such as Blender 3D, a graphics software programme, Photoshop, financial trading tools and programmes that provide remote access to computers. To avoid falling prey to "poisoning", it's recommended to verify the web address before clicking on a search result.

Be cautious of misspellings or unusual names and of sites 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 aim to block the most recent known vulnerabilities exploited by hackers.