How a wrong Google search can compromise your data and bring law enforcement calling

It's generally safe to use, even though the search results aren't quite hitting the mark these days. That's a discussion for another time. 

What we have at hand today are the hidden risks involved with Google search, which can not only compromise your device and personal data but also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. This is not an exaggeration, and below you'll find out how.

It's unclear why hackers have launched this unusually specific campaign. The only reason I can think of is that they are targeting the Australian demographic, and the phrase "Are Bengal Cats legal in Australia?" is easy to rank for on the Google search engine results page.

Once this malware gets onto a computer, it opens the door for a second, more dangerous malware called GootKit, which is designed to steal personal information and allow hackers to control the device remotely.

Michele Catalano and her husband from Long Island, New York, were browsing online for some everyday items, but they quickly found themselves in unexpected trouble. Michele, a freelance writer, was looking to buy a pressure cooker, while her husband wanted a new backpack. They each searched for the items separately.

But two days later, her husband searched for both items from his work computer, just before leaving his job. His former employer's IT staff flagged these searches and reported them to the local Suffolk County Police Department. Soon after, several black SUVs showed up at the couple's house, with police wanting to make sure there were no security threats.

1. Avoid clicking on ads and suspicious links: Be cautious of ads or unfamiliar links at the top of search results. Hackers often use SEO poisoning to place dangerous links in prominent positions. So, try to stick with trusted websites and known sources.

3. Enable SafeSearch: Google's SafeSearch filters help to block explicit or potentially harmful content. It's especially useful for filtering out unsafe links and improving search safety.

4. Limit personal data on Google: Adjust your Google account's privacy settings to minimize data collection, including search history, location tracking and ad personalization. You can access these settings in the "My Activity" section of your Google account.

5. Use private browsing or clear your history: Using Incognito Mode or clearing your browsing history regularly can help reduce tracking of your searches. While it doesn't hide your activity from ISPs or law enforcement, it limits the data Google can store on your device.

Bad actors are always trying to exploit any digital medium you use, whether it's social media or a Google search. It's concerning how malicious websites that put users at risk are readily available on the first page of Google. Although the search giant has claimed to prioritize helpful content this year, the ease with which hackers manipulate search results suggests Google is doing quite the opposite. I'm not holding out much hope for Google to improve its platform, but you can stay safe by avoiding suspicious links and being extra careful.

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