Google is probably the one online service that we all use at least once a day, whether it’s searching for a query, finding something to buy, or anything else.

It’s generally safe to use, although search results aren’t exactly up to par these days. That’s a discussion for another time.

What we face today are the hidden risks of Google Search, which can not only compromise your device and personal data but also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. That’s not an exaggeration, and you’ll find out how to do it below.

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Woman typing on laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The Hidden Dangers of Niche Queries

Cybersecurity company Sophos published an urgent warning on its website, asking people not to type six words into its search engines. Those who Google “Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?” » have had their personal information stolen after clicking on fraudulent links that appear at the top of the page.

It’s unclear why the hackers launched this unusually specific campaign. The only reason I can think of is that they are targeting the Australian population, and the phrase “Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?” is easy to rank on the Google search engine results page.

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People looking to see if Bengal cats are legal in Australia (they are, if you’re curious) may be targeted by GootLoader malware. This malware spreads via SEO tactics, where hackers make infected links appear high in search results. When people search for terms like legal documents or agreements, they may click on these dangerous links that lead to websites hosting a ZIP file containing dangerous code.

Once this malware enters a computer, it opens the door to a second, more dangerous malware called GootKit, designed to steal personal information and allow hackers to control the device remotely.

Google search engine image (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Hackers aren’t the only ones monitoring your Google searches

Even though hackers target Google searches, they aren’t the only ones monitoring what you search for. Law enforcement, your workplace IT department and your telecommunications provider can also see your search activity. One couple reportedly learned this the hard way when police showed up at their door after searching for just four words, “pressure cooker bomb”, as well as the word “backpack”.

Michele Catalano and her husband from Long Island, New York, were searching online for everyday items, but they quickly found themselves in an unexpected situation. Michele, a freelance writer, was looking to buy a pressure cooker, while her husband wanted a new backpack. They each researched the items separately.

But two days later, her husband searched for both items on his work computer, just before leaving work. His former employer’s IT staff flagged these searches and reported them to the local Suffolk County police department. Shortly after, several black SUVs arrived at the couple’s home, with police wanting to ensure there was no threat to safety.

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A person searching on Google (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TECHNICAL SUPPORT SCAMS

5 Ways to Stay Safe When Googling Something

1. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads and links: Beware of unknown ads or links at the top of search results. Hackers often use SEO poisoning to place dangerous links in prominent places. So try to stick to reliable websites and known sources.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to install powerful antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, protecting your personal information and digital assets. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

2. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your Internet traffic, making it more difficult for hackers, ISPs, or other third parties to track your online activity and searches. Many sites can read your IP address and, depending on their privacy settings, display the city you correspond from. A VPN will hide your IP address to show another location. For the best VPN software, check out my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

3. Enable SafeSearch: Google SafeSearch filters help block explicit or potentially harmful content. It is particularly useful for filtering dangerous links and improving search safety.

4. Limit personal data on Google: Adjust your Google account privacy settings to minimize data collection, including search history, location tracking, and ad personalization. You can access these settings in the “My Activity” section of your Google account.

5. Use private browsing or clear your history: Using private browsing mode or regularly clearing your browsing history can help reduce tracking of your searches. While this doesn’t hide your activity from ISPs or law enforcement, it does limit the data Google can store on your device.

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Kurt’s key point

Bad actors are always trying to exploit any digital medium you use, whether it’s social media or a Google search. This is about how malicious websites that put users at risk are easily accessible on the first page of Google. Although the search giant has claimed to prioritize useful content this year, the ease with which hackers manipulate search results suggests Google is doing just the opposite. I don’t have much hope that Google will improve its platform, but you can stay safe by avoiding suspicious links and being very careful.

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