09 Feb 2010

SEO 'becoming a tool of hackers'

Cybercriminals have begun using search engine optimisation (SEO) to target more computers and infect a great number of victims, it has been claimed.

Javier Merchan of Panda Security said data security professionals need to ensure they are scanning all online activity, as hackers have now begun targeting legitimate sites and embedding malware to circumvent firewall and security protocols.

He noted there has been an increase in the number of trojans and fake anti-virus pop-ups in recent months, meaning firms need to be more vigilant than ever in order to remain safe online.

He commented: "There is not enough awareness of such programs, neither in the business field nor the consumers. This is something security vendors have to improve. We have to educate people to improve their security."

According to internet security company Websense, comparing the second half of 2009 with the same period in 2008, there has been an average growth of 225 per cent in malicious websites.