Search Engine Optimization poisoning is a technique used by threat actors to improve the rankings of their malicious websites on SERPs. It contains various negative SEO tactics to manipulate search engine rankings. It is not only crippling but also dangerous. Cybercriminals create malicious websites using social engineering to make them look authentic and use SEO to rank them higher on the search engines. It is successful because users accidentally and unknowingly click on malicious websites and download malware onto their devices. It is one of the most common goals of search engine optimization SEO poisoning. They pick the highly searched topic when creating spoof websites so that more users can be attacked.
How does SEO Poisoning work?
It is all possible with the action of exploiting the vulnerabilities within the websites and algorithms of the search engine. Threat actors leverage trending algorithms to attract users to their websites that are filled with harmful code. When users search for popular topics, they choose the high-ranking results and then, as a result, end up visiting malicious sites.
One exciting fact is that threat actors also use existing and high-ranking websites to spread malicious content to take control of their websites. The deceptive practices used by SEO poisoning are called negative SEO techniques (unethical), they also damage the existing site’s reputation, infect users’ devices with malware and steal sensitive information.
Common SEO Poisoning Techniques
There are multiple negative SEO tactics and unethical SEO poisoning techniques used by threat actors to manipulate search engine rankings. They are mentioned below-
Keyword Stuffing:
Overloading the website with keywords in a repetitive and unnatural way for misleading SERPs. Keyword stuffing is poison for SEO. It is the practice of jamming a webpage thinking that it will convince Google and it will rank the webpage for those keywords. It is an ultimate pointless tactic in any case. An important thing here is that keyword stuffing is done so that it is not visible to the end user, for example, camouflaged in the layout by hiding words in white text, stylesheets, etc.
Article Spinning:
Using the already published content and taking its credibility by adding a few words is the article spinning. It is one of the most common SEO poisoning techniques used by threat actors to get the desired results.
Cloaking:
It also falls under Black hat SEO which shows one version of a page, URL or content to Google for ranking and another to its actual visitors. It is done purposefully to fool crawl bots.
Sneaky Redirects:
Sending users to a webpage different from the one they initially clicked without their knowledge or consent. Through this threat actors drive traffic to malicious sites.
Private Link Networks:
These networks are formed by collecting several unrelated websites to increase the visibility of malicious sites and the number of referring links. It contributes to higher-ranking content and makes it easy to create the appearance of higher domain authority on websites. These fake websites and doorway pages deceive search engine crawlers by incorporating popular search terms.
One Of The Most Common Goals of Search Engine Optimization SEO Poisoning
Driving more traffic:
Cybercriminals manipulate search engine algorithms by adding trending keywords and making them popular. They trick unsuspecting people into clicking on hacked links leading to websites including attacking scams, malware, and many other online dangerous activities. The objective is to drive more traffic to harmful domains. So, it becomes very important to teach users the significance of cybersecurity vigilance to protect them from these malicious tactics.
Spreading viruses:
It is one of the most common goals of search engine optimization poisoning. Threat actors direct people to hacked websites and make customers download malware onto their devices by clicking on phony URLs. It puts user system security at risk and results in data theft infecting their devices with malicious software. That is why users are cautioned and asked to implement strong cybersecurity measures. It has been reported that there is an increase in SEO poisoning attacks in the USA. Around 15000 websites were compromised in a major SEO campaign. Threat actors tried to conduct ad fraud. If you also want to save your website from all this havoc, try a professional SEO services provider in USA. They can guide you with the best practices and measures that you can try to mitigate the impact of SEO poisoning.
Creating a Zombie Botnet:
It is another common goal of search engine optimization poisoning. Hackers, here in this format, refer to the compromised systems as zombies. The devices join a compromised network of computers. The botnets are used to steal data or spread malware. There should be robust cybersecurity protocols implemented to forbid inadvertently participating in zombie networks.
Phishing and Identity Theft:
Cybercriminals influence search results and redirect consumers to hacked websites by imitating popular websites and platforms to deceive users into disclosing sensitive information such as banking information. Then they commit fraud with the stolen data and take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. So, users need to be aware of the potential risks.
Promoting scams:
Here, hackers purposefully advertise fraud schemes, such as selling products at very cheap prices. They usually imitate trustworthy websites and give the impression of a genuine website. They trick people into visiting fake websites, mislead them, and engage them in fraudulent activities. Hence, resulting in financial losses and data breaches.
Read Techniques Of White Hat Link Building For SEO Positioning
Protection Against SEO Poisoning
Robust Website Security is a Must:
A robust defense system for your website, initiated with a dependable firewall helps to save your website from any SEO tampering. You can add a degree of security, HTTPS secure data transmission, and deter any cyber-attack. You must be able to select a secure hosting company that offers cutting-edge security capabilities. It increases your website’s resistance against tampering activities by ensuring website security.
Securing Coding Practices:
Safe coding methods ensure your website’s code is updated and patched regularly. It helps to address any issues or security concerns. To decrease the chance of attacks:
- Stick to the best coding practices and avoid unsafe functions.
- Implement least privilege to minimize potential damage.
- Examine the coding practice frequently so that any security vulnerabilities can be identified on time.
Utilize a CMS and plugins:
Choose a secure content management system that has a great track record of security protocols. The security patches are routinely applied to your chosen CMS. Also, you need to pick updated plugins that prioritize security and are reliable. It helps to create a strong foundation to fight against any SEO poisoning attempts.
Routine Security Audits:
Your selected CMS should be regularly updated with security fixes and security updates. Make sure you pick from trustworthy sources so that any vulnerabilities can be discovered. Hence, it would create a barrier against SEO poisoning attacks. It is one of the most common goals of search engine optimization SEO poisoning. Making informed choices is important so that you can strengthen your website’s defense system.
Regular Monitoring for Suspicious Websites:
You need to be careful and attentive to any strange activity. For that, you can install systems to identify any unexpected fluctuations in SERPs or irregularities in user behavior.
- Regularly examine server logs and monitor user interactions. It would help to spot unusual patterns.
- Use real-time monitoring solutions to identify and address any suspicious activities instantly.
- Build a proactive defense system to lessen the impact of SEO poisoning effects.
Conclusion
Companies and consumers must be careful about SEO poisoning attacks. Threat actors are going the extra mile to deceive us. So, we need to take proper precautions to protect ourselves. They employ false and dishonest methods such as endorsing fraud, distributing malware, and intruding on user security. It also emphasizes a variety of hazards. Internet users should pay attention before clicking on any website or link. It is high time that we gain more knowledge and information so that we can easily adapt safe online habits. SEO experts also help to mitigate the risk and understand the concept in a better and optimized way.
So, it is a collective war against SEO poisoning, not only for users but companies should also prioritize robust website security, frequent security checks, and safe coding techniques to reduce cyberattacks. Together, with attention, we can reduce the effects of SEO poisoning and create a safe digital environment through our proactive behavior.
Yes, we can fight it.
