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Scanning Tools Offer Antidote to Poisoned Web Links

Network security companies are developing an antidote to the growing problem of poisoned web links: Web-site scanning tools. Cybercriminals use poisoned web links on social sites to trick you into clicking on a link that gives them full control of your PC. They can then scam you into purchasing worthless antivirus protection or filling out surveys.

There is something you can do to protect yourself from the rising tide of poisoned Web links.
Several security  companies offer Web site scanning tools that can detect poisoned links seeping into social-network postings, search engine results and Web-based e-mails.

Network security company M86 Security earlier this month released Secure Browsing, a tool that checks Web links to see if they carry known viruses or exhibit behaviors that indicate a malicious attack.

This free, stand-alone consumer service taps into sophisticated detection systems M86 sells to large organizations. M86 benefits by feeding information about malicious links, gathered anonymously from consumers, into its systems to make them more robust.

"Consumers benefit from real-time code analysis," says Werner Thalmeier, M86 vice president of product management.

M86 researchers estimate that poisoned link attacks increased at least 90% in 2010. Poisoned Web links are seeping into such sites as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. They're also turning up in search results from Google, Bing and Yahoo, as well as circulating in Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo Mail messages.

Cybercriminals aim to trick you into clicking on a link that will give them full control of your PC. They can then scam you into purchasing worthless anti-virus protection or filling out sketchy online surveys.

They can even steal from your online financial accounts or use your machine as part of a network of infected PCs instructed to spread more infections.

Another useful tool is AVG's LinkScanner, which is part of AVG's anti-virus suite of programs. Or consumers can use a free stand-alone version.

"There is no doubt that free services, particularly social networks, are increasingly being targeted for exploitation, and consumers should absolutely be proactive about using protection tools," says Roger Thompson, research vice president at AVG.

Yet another new choice consumers have is a new Web link scanning tool called WebRep, made available last month as part of Avast Software's popular free anti-virus suite of programs. WebRep also rates Web sites for offensive content, says Avast spokesman Lyle Frink.

Anti-virus giants McAfee and Symantec also offer Web link scanners, called SiteAdvisor and Norton Safe Web, respectively.

There are strengths and weaknesses to each of these free tools. They all offer added peace of mind. But consumers must be willing to accept the incremental inconvenience of downloading them and using them on a regular basis.

"Tools like this are needed because the bad links usually can't be visually spotted," says Frink. "It's simple: The crooks are looking for opportunity, and that means following the crowds."

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