As a regular YouTube fan, you might have already come across a YouTube page that requires you to download additional viewing software to see a certain video online. There are some instances that the page even prompts you with downloading software updates that is necessary to view a certain video or news in the internet. These pages are just replicas of the real YouTube page, and if you’re fooled by clicking that download link, there is a very big chance that your computers must have already been infected with key-loggers or botnets.
The famous online trick that has reported enormous online computer problems is the fake YouTube page that is gaining so much popularity online. Known for its perfect replica of the site, fake YouTube pages can lure users to click on an interesting video footage prior to requesting them to download a software package that is necessary to view the file.
As soon as user clicks the link, intruders silently penetrate your system by installing hidden software that can reveal user identity, steal computer data, and manipulate computer processes like a zombie. The update trick won’t last more than a few minutes after opening, but can create severe damage to your system if remained untreated.
Online computer specialists also warn the public that faking web pages can also be already true to many other famous online community sites such as AOL, Facebook, MySpace, and many other internet group websites where hackers can reach out to more people.
Since the only malicious offer of these fake web pages is to ask users to update their media software and still link them to the real YouTube site, it therefore may not very easy for internet beginners to notice the invasion because the fake page will still let you see the chosen video.
Computer analysts suggest that similar incidences continue to rise due to the upcoming US presidential elections, and YouTube is certainly the place to see all of the interviews, media footage and coverage of the hottest debates and political movement of the two opposing parties as the election approaches.
Meanwhile, as computer hackers take advantage of the users’ need for public online information, authorities strongly recommend to keep away from malicious links that will redirect you to the actual viewing site. When prompted, you may always choose to reject software update downloads which can actually send your computer tons of viruses and spyware.
Also, keep a good list of trusted sites and stick to them when it comes to surfing and downloading programs. Refrain from downloading new software releases that are not included in your trusted sites, even if the software reads “FREE”. Also, keep your antivirus software updated for maximum protection from any unwanted online threat.
Nevertheless, the best prevention is still keeping an updated knowledge of the existence and consequences of our actions in order to protect our computers from these system threats. Remain vigilant and aware of the spammers and intruders that might just actually be a click away from your computers. Surf safely!
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