Categories: Security

Don’t be Fooled by Bad Links in Google Search Results

It is not uncommon for a fraudulent ad or malicious link to pop up in Google’s search results. Google doesn’t automatically block websites that are insecure or malicious in nature. To browse the web more safely, you should use DFNDR’s Anti-Hacking feature.

Once activated, you’ll be blocked from phishing-attempts and unsafe websites that will try to steal your money, install malware on your device, or compromise your private information. Click here to be safer online now:

With DFNDR’s Anti-Hacking feature, you’ll no longer have to worry about your information being stolen, or entering information on an insecure site — even if that website was seemingly safe on Google Bad Links on Google

In February, a malicious, paid advertisement mimicking Amazon showed up on search results. It was ranked higher on the page than Amazon’s actual website ad. After clicking on the fake ad, users were redirected to a fake support website.

Although the ad has since been removed by Google, it was still able to fool a large number of Google users. This shows that you should always be skeptical online, even if you trust your source.

Read More: Install Apps from Search Results with Google’s Instant Apps

You should also be sure to run regular virus scans on your device. When you don’t have time for a longer scan, perform a quick Security Scan on your device to check for any viruses, security breaches, or errors.

The safety of your device should never be compromised simply because you don’t have the time to dedicate to a Full Virus Scan. Click here to quickly scan your device for malware:

How to be Safer Online

The vastness of the Internet, in addition to ever-evolving malware, means that there are numerous opportunities for hackers to trick you or try to take advantage of you.

If you find a link on Google’s search results that you believe is spam or malware, you should report the link immediately to Google. You’ll simply need to copy the link and paste it into a Google form, and add any comments about the link if desired.

Even with Anti-Hacking activated, you should get into the habit of making sure a URL is correct before you enter any personal information onto a website.

Also, don’t click any unknown or seemingly known links from emails or social networking sites, especially if the language surrounding the link seems odd or suspicious. This goes for Google, too — if the website’s address or language seems SPAM-like, it would be best to avoid the website.

PSafe Newsroom

The dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.

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