Numerous malicious links on the subject of "Vulcano News" - distribution of fake antivirus software

Highlights, catastrophes and high-profile topics dominate search queries on the Internet - and so do the manipulations of online criminals. They mix their malicious websites en masse under the most popular search queries, mostly with the aim of distributing fake antivirus software.

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The year began with SEO attacks on terms related to the New Year and its customs, followed by attacks on websites for Google's new Nexus mobile phone and the launch of the Apple iPad. Concern and interest in disasters such as the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Chile and China were just as shamelessly exploited. The spectacular eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjalla, the huge ash cloud and the consequences for European air traffic since mid-April are of course also ideal for such dangerous SEO attacks.

Internet criminals use such current search terms to lure unsuspecting consumers to their infected websites in order to infect their computers with malware and thereby steal personal data. A click on such links is enough to catch malware if no suitable protective measures are taken. Panda therefore urges users to be careful and has published a list of affected search terms:

• Iceland Volcano News

• Iceland Volcano Images

• Iceland Volcano eruption

• Iceland Volcano Video

• Icelandic Volcano

• Iceland Volcano Satellite Image

• Iceland Volcano 2010

• Volcano in Iceland

• South Iceland Volcano 2010

• Volcano 2010

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