Hackers use real headlines to lure victims to fake blogs

Security experts are warning users to be on the alert for a new hacking technique involving fake blogs. Hackers have begun exploiting Google’s Trends Lab, which lists the days most searched topics. They use this information to create real news stories which they then place on a fake blog in order to increase page rankings. Unsuspecting users who click through to the blog are presented with several videos.

From there, the routine uses an old but still effective trick. When a video is clicked on, a pop up prompts them to download a codec-which is actually malicious software. The software loads a fake antispyware program which nags and goads the user into purchasing still more malware which exposes their personal info.