Hackers are using false sponsored links to try to harvest information from unsuspecting users who click on the first link that Google returns in a search. Care must be taken to ensure that you are clicking a link that goes where you are intending.
Google sponsored links are placed at the top of every search, and many users click the first link without adequately verifying that the website returned from the search is legitimate.
Hackers are taking advantage of this behavior by paying to put malicious websites before legitimate search results. These results can occur with any major brand and even government websites.
Key Takeaways:
Understand that sponsored links are not actually search results, and it is necessary to scroll down past paid advertisements to get legitimate results. When you no longer see "sponsored" you are in the right place.
Verify that the link will take you where you are intending to go by reading the web address to see if it passes the "smell test." See attached picture. Circled in red is a website that will definitely not take someone to the TSA.
For more information, feel free to reach out to us at info@infograte.com. Stay safe out there!
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