Google's Malware Alerts Launched

Malware alerts are a new feature initiated by Google in July 2011. When the alert warning is triggered, users will see the following message: “Your computer appears to be infected with software that intercepts your connection to Google and other websites.”

The company took action after the search-engine giant discovered some of its users with Microsoft Windows received search results that were tainted. Google's staff concluded, after investigating the matter, that malware had likely been installed on the infected computers at some point in the past. When users of those infected computers subsequently searched on Google, infected computers would recognize certain search strings, and the Trojan would then direct the search user, via proxy servers, to sites containing more malware.

At that point, the user might click on a link to install additional malware. For example, if you typed in "vacation in Peru" and your computer was infected with this spyware, your browser may be directed to a toxic site that looks like a legitimate travel agency but is not. If you click on a photo on that site, you could end up downloading spyware or other computer viruses. Even before Google initiated the malware alert warning, the company had a safe-browsing feature for developers that consisted of a list of malicious sites it regularly updated. The good news about Google's discovery is that users now have a warning that steers them away from toxic websites.

Those who discover that they own infected computers must use an anti-virus software to remove the viruses, Trojans and other intrusions that have infected their personal computers. Computer security companies, in addition to software companies such as Microsoft, have invested a considerable amount of research and effort into stemming the tide of malware. As a result, many users already have access to free or inexpensive solutions for preventing these attacks.

Two pernicious problems continue to persist that impede many users from removing viruses. First, many internet surfers are unaware of how many viruses may already be on their computers. Secondly, these users are also unaware of the many solutions (some of which are even free) that will protect them from this point going forward. Two simple things to remember in avoiding a Google malware alert are to only download security software from legitimate companies and websites and to keep your internet security software up to date. Many security-software providers offer a home-use-only version of virus scan software that is low cost or even free.

The need for computer security protection will undoubtedly continue as cyber criminals look for new ways to entice victims. According to the Virus Bulletin, a Trojan spread through Facebook chats began to infect computers in August 2011. Enticed by a link that led people to believe it opened a video in which they appeared, they were then instructed to install a Flash Player update to view the video. Unbeknownst to the computer user, the Flash Player update was actually a Trojan that disarmed anti-virus software on the person's computer. Led to believe through fake pop-ups that the protective software was actively protecting them from computer viruses, the victims remained unaware of the infection.

One of the riskier activities you can do on the internet is to search for photos. Clicking on a photo can launch a download that may install malware on your computer. Another common way to have your computer infected is to click on a link embedded within an email. The best protection for these threats is to have an ongoing relationship with a reputable security solution provider. Don't wait until you become a victim to start one.

At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don't Have To.™