Google Proved to be the Most Harmful Site During 2010

Trend Micro, one of the most important security firms in its year end review, stated that Google is the most harmful site because of its crucial in malware threats.

As per the news by Trend Micro blog site on December 29, 2010 Google is immensely popular among hackers that led them to attack it particularly for blackhat schemes, which eventually, resulted in major malware attacks, specifically fake antivirus software.

Also, it was disclosed that Google's ad network was also targeted by malvertisements. Websites that appeared on Google list tried to sell fake antivirus software which appeared authentic and tries to lure users with the notion of 'trial period' or some minimum amount that is quite less than what actually may be charged. After the users opt for the trial period anti-virus software, they are required to regulate their system to use and interact with systems that are linked with several schemes ranging from money stealing to compromising login credentials like passwords or identity related information.

Regarding the size of Google's search portals, security experts stated that it is not at all astonishing that Google has been declared as the most harmful site of 2010. Google can change its algorithms to thwart spammers but methods are continuously being discovered curb these measures.

The security company also stated that WordPress was being declared as the most harmful software site, particularly for its vulnerability if left unfixed. In case, if WordPress is not fixed continuously, hackers can easily attack sites and steal data, employing the hacked sites to form elements of redirection chains, which propagated malicious software or form division of blackhat SEO schemes.

In addition, Trend Micro said that IRC as the most dangerous IP protocol, Mac OS X as the Most Dangerous OS, Facebook as the most dangerous social network site, PDF as the worst file format, IE as the most unsafe runtime environment, the web browser as the chief malware infection channel, and CO.CC as the most dangerous top-level domain.

For avoiding the infection in the future, experts have suggested downloading antivirus software that locks any harmful files and also restricts use to harmful web pages and update software applications with manufacturers' patches.

Related article: Google Rectifies Gmail flaw in Three Days

» SPAMfighter News - 1/14/2011