Halloween Special: Watch Out For Malware this Halloween
With Halloween just a couple of days away, we here at FindMySoft thought it a good idea to run a Halloween Special, meaning that all the news we posted today were frightening or Halloween-related ones. We reported on the success of the Angry Birds Halloween edition, we reported on the fact that the Plants vs. Zombies app is on sale, and a whole bunch of other things (the complete list of articles posted as part of our Halloween Special is available at the bottom).
As part of our Halloween Special we also have to report that malware spreaders are using Halloween as an opportunity to peddle their malicious applications.
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Panda Labs is reporting that cyber criminals are “taking advantage by inserting their malware campaigns right into Halloween related search results. Searching for Halloween costumes, parties, pumpkin carving patterns, and more can land you right in the middle of one of these malicious campaigns.”
Panda Labs has found that the 5 most targeted phrases are as follows:
Halloween costumes
Halloween decorations
Halloween ideas
Adult Halloween costumes
Free pumpkin pattern
BitDefender is reporting that “cyber-crooks are hard at work, busy to bring you the crème-de-la-crème in terms of search engine poisoning.” As BitDefender’s Bogdan Botezatu explained, “two malware runs are particularly important these days. If you’re planning to find templates for Halloween invitations, or if you’re trying to find a print shop for what you already have, then you should keep an eye on what search results you’re about to click.”
It’s not surprising that people with malicious intent are exploiting Halloween in such a manner. It’s like a page from the malware spreader’s handbook – when a high profile event takes place, exploit it to peddle your malware; if there’s no such event to exploit, then make something up.
To stay safe and secure, make sure you have a patched and up-to-date OS, browser and security software solution, and do not download or run files from unknown sources. Check out Panda Labs’ tips on how to stay safe online this Halloween here and BitDefender’s tips here. Here are the other articles from today’s Halloween Special:
With Halloween just a couple of days away, we here at FindMySoft thought it a good idea to run a Halloween Special, meaning that all the news we posted today were frightening or Halloween-related ones. We reported on the success of the Angry Birds Halloween edition, we reported on the fact that the Plants vs. Zombies app is on sale, and a whole bunch of other things (the complete list of articles posted as part of our Halloween Special is available at the bottom).