Hackers Take Advantage of Adult-Related Internet Search Trends

Recently, a video tape was made showing ESPN reporter Erin Andrews undressing in her hotel room and is now being used by hackers to spread malware.

A recent explicit video was shot through a peephole in a hotel room of Erin Andrews undressing without her consent, has made its way onto the internet. Soon after, dozens of web sites appeared claiming to be links to the video, but in truth they were nothing more than a way to release a virus or malware into the user's computer system.

According to the Senior Technology Consultant at Sophos, Graham Cluley, "Hackers are no slacks when it comes to taking advantage of a hot internet search trend, and they have been quick to set up bogus webpages claiming to contain the video footage of Ms. Andrews in her hotel room."

This is not the first time something like this has happened. Not too long ago, there had been a report on the former Apple employee and venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki who had his Twitter account hacked into and links posted advertising the Leighton Meester sex tape for viewing pleasure. Unfortunately for the users who eventually ended up visiting this site, the domain prompted them to download malicious software in the form of video codecs which is a well-known tactic for spreading malware.

The next time a hot new search trend hits the Web, and you find yourself tempted, just be aware of the dangers you might be risking to yourself and your computer.

Has anything like this ever happened to you before? Have you been taken advantage of by searching for the latest gossip or controversial media coverage? Leave a response below and tell us about your experiences.