Hackers Using the Final Episode of TV Series ‘Lost’ to Spread ‘MySecurityEngine’ Fake Antivirus
The popular ABC series “Lost” has been used as bait by online criminals to spread malware via fake antivirus products.
PandaLabs, Panda Security’s antimalware laboratory, discovered numerous Web pages distributing a fake antivirus product, “MySecurityEngine,” which is malware, within the online search results on terms surrounding “Lost.”
When a user does an online search for information relating to the “Lost” series, Web pages hosting malware have been expertly indexed using Search Engine Optimization (SEM) techniques to appear high in the result rankings.
When users reach the infected Web pages, they are prompted to accept the download of a file, such as a codec to watch a video, and the fake antivirus will be installed on the computers.
PandaLabs has also discovered that in addition to “Lost,” similar techniques to lure potential victims have been detected with other popular shows and searches including “Glee,” “The Family Guy” and the recently released film, “Iron Man 2.”
Another event used to spread malware was the recent death of the Rainbow and Black Sabbath rock singer, Ronnie James Dio, has also been exploited by hackers to deploy a powerful Black Hat SEO attack across the Web.
According to Luis Corrons, Technical Director of PandaLabs, “What continues to surprise us is the speed with which the numerous websites are created and then indexed and positioned on the Internet. As the screening of the final episode of “Lost” approaches we expect the number of malicious links to double or triple.”
With this in mind, PandaLabs recommend users (particularly fans of the series) to be wary when visiting websites through search engines, and try to make sure the pages they visit are reliable. If users should be directed to fake websites, it is essential that no downloads are accepted. “Using your common sense and having good up-to-date protection installed are the two best ways of staying safe from these threats,” adds Corrons.