Google Adds New Feature To Warn Users On Possible Malware Infection

By Author: eccuni
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Google has initiated a new malware warning system, which alerts users to the possibility that their computer systems are infected. The warning appears on the top of the search results page. Security engineers identified unusual activity patterns during a routine maintenance of one of the company's data centers. The company coordinated with security professionals of different companies and discovered that a strain of malware was causing computers to transmit traffic to Google through proxy servers. Essentially, the malware attempts to intercept user's connection to different sites. Earlier in the year, Google introduced two-step verification for Gmail accounts. Google also displays red warnings on suspicious activity on the top of the inbox. Computers infected with malware may result in slow connection to websites.

Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to install malicious software in the computers. They may use malware-infested computers to launch simultaneous attacks on a target resource, disseminate spam or gain access to confidential information stored on the computers. Scammers are ...
... using sophisticated techniques to defraud users. They attempt to install malware in the systems through specially crafted e-mails containing malicious files, by luring users to visit a malicious site through drive-by attacks. In the recent times, scammers have been trying to infect computers through counterfeit security software. The counterfeit security software such as Mac Defender, MacSecurity, MacProtector and Windows Vista Restore. The names and scan window of the scareware appear similar to those offered by legitimate developers. Professionals may update themselves on latest developments in IT by participating in information security conferences, seminars and undertaking online IT degree programs.

Internet users, who receive notifications while using Google's search engine must run complete scan of their computers through legitimate security software. They must never respond to e-mails seeking user name and password. Cybercriminals also attempt to lure users to visit malicious sites through search engine poisoning. Users must download software by directly visiting the website of a legitimate vendor. Security firms update their security software by adding new virus definitions. Users must frequently update their security software and scan their systems regularly to guard against malware and other forms of viruses. They may follow the advisories issued by Internet security firms and improve their online computing practices by pursuing online IT courses.

Google has also advised employees working in organizations, who view such a notification on the search page to notify their respective network administrators. Scammers may attempt to gain access and extract privileged business information from organizational computer systems. Hiring professionals qualified in masters of security science and IT degree programs may help organizations to implement and update security policies in accordance with changing threat scenario. IT professional must monitor the Internet traffic directed towards company's websites and networks to identify and block unusual ac activity. Employees are required to interact and communicate with third party, stakeholders, suppliers, and customers in course of their routine job responsibilities. IT professional must advise employees on different types of online threats, safe usage of Internet, password management practices, encryption and data security practices to safeguard computer systems and ensure confidentiality and security of privileged business information.