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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
4

The 10 Riskiest Web Searches

Hackers target popular search terms

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(Newser) – Internet hackers are like pickpockets: They target crowds, and the best place to find them on the web is through search engines, ABC News reports, so thieves tie malware programs to popular word searches. After analyzing more than 2,600 terms, security firm McAfee found these to be the 10 most dangerous:

  • Word Unscrambler
  • Lyrics
  • MySpace
  • Free Music Downloads

  • Phelps, Weber-Gale, Jones and Lezak Wins 4x 100m RelayFree Music
  • Game Cheats
  • Printable Fill in Puzzles
  • Free Ringtones
  • Solitaire
Experts say users downloading ringtones or logging into sites with personal information are most at risk, and caution against using search terms involving online games. “You’ve got to use the safe rules of the road,” said one.

Many popular word searches than lead hackers to your computer.
Many popular word searches than lead hackers to your computer.   (Shutter Stock)
Many popular word searches than lead hackers to your computer.
Many popular word searches than lead hackers to your computer.   (Shutter Stock)
Many popular word searches than lead hackers to your computer.
Many popular word searches than lead hackers to your computer.   (Shutter Stock)
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The Web is a great resource and we should absolutely be using it, but you've got to use the safe rules of the road. What's true in the offline world is true online, too. - Shane Keats, research analyst

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4 comments
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Reader49426878
Jun 2, 09 4:21 PM CDT
Serials and keygens and warez are killers. Not that I'd have any experience there. :| Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+6
IN RESPONSE:
Reader64481089
Jun 2, 09 6:43 PM CDT
LOL same here LOL *looks away innocently :)
Vote up! Vote down!
+5
nmhtsos
Jun 3, 09 9:00 PM CDT
I haven't gotten a virus for 3 year now and i'm taking no special precautions nor using avast's reatime scanner...Btw,avast,that's all i have...I know what you're thinking that's ******* strange well **** me it is...My advice USE WOT: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3456 Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
JonmarkP
Jun 5, 09 12:10 AM CDT
Get a Mac. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
-1
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