Web malware scams go primetime

Scammers are using search engine optimisation to spread malware

Interest in primetime TV shows has become a favourite lure for cyber criminals, according to security experts.

The Academy Awards and upcoming premieres of new television shows are being targeted in search engine optimisation attacks.

Security firm Sophos said that malware writers had loaded web pages with keywords relating to the Awards in order to achieve higher placement in search results.

Users visiting what they believe to be news sites about the awards are then subjected to an anti-virus scam that attempts to trick them into purchasing fake security software.

Researchers at Sans reported that a similar scam is targeting searches for reality show Billy The Exterminator which premieres in the US tonight.

The targeting of current events and news items for malware infection has become a favourite technique for web-based malware attacks. Malware writers have long sought to lure victims by capitalising on interest in natural disasters, news events and cultural phenomena.

Search engine optimisation has also become a favourite tactic in recent years as malware writers seek to tailor attack pages to current search trends.