'Free' searches attract hackers, warns McAfee

People searching for free music and movies and other digital content are primary targets for hackers according to McAfee.

The security company’s 2010 Digital Music and Movies report found that adding the word 'free' to a search for music ringtones resulted in a 300 per cent increase in the riskiness of the sites returned by major search engines in English.

McAfee also found more than 700,000 web pages designed to look identical to Youtube were infected with malicious software. Celebrity news, gossip and videos are also used by cybercriminals to trap the unwary.

The report revealed that cybercriminals hide malicious content in ads and on music and movie-related and fan sites. Even if the searcher is willing to pay for content, a search can direct them to illegal file-sharing pages and pirated content.

“Sites that are set up to distribute illegal content are very sophisticated and may leave a user not understanding the nature of the site to which they have been directed. These sites often distribute malware and expose users to other risks,” warned McAfee.

In recent years, consumers have increasingly watched video or downloaded music or other online content. According to web traffic analyst Comscore, more than 5.5 billion videos were viewed online in the UK in February 2010, up 37 per cent versus the previous year.

To cash in on this trend, cybercriminals have shifted their attacks to these applications.

As well as ensuring comprehensive security software is used and up to date, McAfee also said people should avoid searching for ‘free’ content, clicking on banner ads on music and movie download site that aren’t well-established and be aware that criminals will send out malware on the back of popular stories.

Paula Greve, McAfee’s director of web security research said: “Consumers are visiting fan sites, downloading movies and reading celebrity news, but generally aren’t aware of the risks.

“They can access ‘free’ content quickly and easily, but it actually comes at a price. Consumers must stay aware of the risks and be on the lookout for potential new dangers.”