Internet criminals are using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics to help spread malicious software, according to experts from Marshal's TRACE team.
The criminals are using tools such as Google Trends to identify popular keywords, then setting up blogs on free hosting sites featuring these search terms.
The blog sites feature what appears to be an embedded video player, which loads malware onto users' computers under the guise of installing a video codec.
One recent example of an exploited search term is 'OJ Simpson Verdict'.
While using fake media players to spread malware is nothing new, Marshal believes the use of SEO to promote the infected sites shows increasing sophistication on behalf of the criminals.
