Google is probably the online one service that we all use at least once a day, whether it’s searching for a query, finding something to buy, or anything else.

It is generally safe to use, even if the search results are not quite good these days. That’s a discussion for another time.

What we have at hand today are the hidden risks involved in Google search, which can not only compromise your device and personal data, but also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. This is not an exaggeration, and below you will find out how.

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Woman typing on laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The Hidden Dangers of Niche Queries

Cyber ​​security company Sophos issued an urgent warning on its website asking people not to type six words into search engines. People Googling “Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?” It appears that they had their personal information stolen after clicking on fraudulent links that appear at the top of the page.

It is not clear why the hackers launched this unusually specific campaign. The only reason I can think of is that it targets the Australian population and the phrase “Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?” it is easy to rank on the Google search engine results page.

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People searching if Bengal cats are legal in Australia (they are, if you’re curious) risk being targeted by GootLoader Malware. This malware is spread through SEO tactics, where hackers make infected links appear in search results. When people search for terms like legal documents or agreements, they may click on these dangerous links that lead to websites that host a ZIP file with malicious code.

Once this malware reaches a computer, it opens the door for a second, more dangerous malware called GootKit, which is designed to steal personal information and allow hackers to control the device remotely.

Google search engine image (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Hackers aren’t the only ones tracking your Google searches

While hackers target Google searches, they aren’t the only ones tracking what you search for. Law enforcement officers, you the workplace’s IT department and your supplier of telecommunications can also see your activity. of search. A couple reportedly found this out the hard way when the police showed up at their door after searching for just four words, “pressure cooker bomb” along with the word “backpack”.

Michele Catalano and her husband from Long Island, New York, were looking online for some everyday items, but quickly ran into unexpected problems. Michele, a freelance writer, was looking to buy a pressure cooker while her husband wanted a new backpack. Each searched the articles separately.

But two days later, her husband searched for both items on his work computer, just before he left work. 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, with police wanting to make sure there were no security threats.

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A person doing a Google search (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TECHNICAL SUPPORT SHOCKS

5 ways to stay safe when searching on Google

1. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads and links: Be wary of unfamiliar ads or links at the top of search results. Hackers often use SEO poisoning to place dangerous links in prominent positions. So try to stick with trusted websites and known sources.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware that could access your information. private, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your devices. Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

2. Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your traffic. of the Internet, making it harder for hackers, ISPs, or other third parties to track your online activity and searches. Many sites can read your IP address and, depending on their privacy settings, display the city you are posting from. A VPN will disguise your IP address to show an alternate location. For the best VPN software, check out my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your devices. Windows, Mac, Android and iOS

3. Turn on SafeSearch: Google SafeSearch filters help block explicit or potentially harmful content. It is especially useful for filtering out unsafe links and improving search safety.

4. Limit personal data on Google: Adjust your Google Account privacy settings to minimize data collection, including search history, location tracking, and ad personalization. You can access these settings in the “My Activity” section of your Google Account.

5. Use private browsing or clear history: Using incognito mode or periodically clearing your browsing history can help reduce search tracking. While it doesn’t hide your activity from ISPs or law enforcement, it does limit the data Google can store on your device.

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Kurt’s key

Bad actors are always trying to exploit any digital medium you use, whether it’s social media or a Google search. It’s about how malicious websites that put users at risk are easily available on the first page of Google. Although the search giant has claimed to be prioritizing useful content this year, the ease with which hackers are manipulating search results suggests that Google is doing just the opposite. I don’t have much hope that Google will improve their platform, but you can stay safe by avoiding suspicious links and being extra careful.

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