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A leading internet security company has identified more than 700,000 web pages which look like they are real YouTube pages (including the YouTube logo to add authenticity). In fact they are fake pages delivering malware to users computers. The malicious pages claim to contain a “hot video” associated with the Gulf oil spill, NBA Playoffs, Harry Potter and other popular topics.

If a user inadvertently plays the video from one of the fake pages a pop up appears informing them that they need to download and install a media codec file. If the user clicks “OK” the users browser will be redirected (see: browser redirector) to a malware infected website. The malware infected website promotes scareware and rogue antivirus software. The malware is being propagated using poisoned search results.

ID Theft Protect suggests all users use a URL safety browser software i.e. McAfee Site Advisor. Click here to find out more about URL safety browser software.

TIP: Most computers provide the appropriate software for viewing videos (i.e. Windows Media Player) and images. If you are asked to download new video software, ID Theft Protect suggests you only use Windows Media Player. Click here to download the latest version of Windows Media Player.

Source: ID Theft Protect

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