LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CyberDefender Corporation (NASDAQ:CYDE), a provider of Internet security software, utilities and Live PC Support services that work together to maximize online safety for consumers, announced today an increasing threat of adware and malware delivered by YouTube videos.

“YouTube clips increasingly display links to other pages. Beware! Many of these are infected with malware or adware. Once users click on the link, leaving the safety of YouTube, infection becomes a scary – but probable – reality,” says Achal Khetarpal, director of threat research, CyberDefender.

Cybercriminals target topics currently popular to search on Google, a practice called SEO (search engine optimization) poisoning. Users querying the terms to find YouTube videos are lured into clicking on infected links found inside the video by the promise of unrestricted/unrated content outside YouTube. In reality, users who follow such links often end up downloading malware and adware, affecting the operation of their PC.

Infected YouTube videos often have a link below the film instructing the user to go to that URL to see more video. Once the link is selected, the user is told to download a toolbar or fake video codec (a type of software required to view videos online) to proceed. Nine out of ten infected URL's in YouTube contain this typed of adware, Khetarpal says.

Examples of infection: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47559592@N05/sets/72157624260992077/

You can also download print-ready screenshots here: http://bohle.fileburst.com/YouTube_threats_CyberDefender.zip

CyberDefender tips to counter malware/adware found in YouTube videos:

• Don’t click on requests to download anything to watch a video (real sites have video players built right in)
• Make sure all words and names are spelled correctly in your searches; malware authors prey on users who might reverse the “i” and the “e” in Justin Bieber, for instance, getting users to click on their own infected links
• When searching for celebrity videos, check first to see if the celebrity has their own YouTube channel and find the video you are looking for there
• Be careful when clicking on comments posted on various video sharing and social networks. They can SPAM and re-direct you to unsafe locations
• Install two different security software packages on your PC. Different security companies may not block against same threats . In most cases, two is better than one. Consult your security company to make sure their software “plays nice” with the competition
• For complete security, chose a package that includes live technical support like CyberDefender’s Live Help Desk package. That way, you can call customer support for any problem your computer has.
• And always remember to not enter any personal information into an unknown site

About CyberDefender

CyberDefender Corporation (NASDAQ:CYDE) is a provider of Internet security software, utilities and Live PC Support services that work together to ensure maximum safety for consumers in a digital world. The company develops and markets antispyware/antivirus software and remote, live tech support services. In addition, CyberDefender offers identity protection and computer optimization services. With millions of active users on its cloud based Collaborative Internet Security Network, CyberDefender leverages the power of community to protect its customers from the rapidly growing number of new online threats every year. CyberDefender products are fully compatible with Microsoft's XP, Vista, and 7 Operating systems. All products are available at www.cyberdefender.com. IR Site: www.cyberdefendercorp.com.

CONTACT:

for CyberDefender Corporation
Public Relations:
Luis Levy
The Bohle Company
(310) 785-0515 Ext. 204
Luis@bohle.com
or
Investor Relations:
Marie Dagresto
Caye Partners
(310) 571–8205
cyde@cayepartners.com
IR Site: www.cyberdefendercorp.com

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INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Internet  Software  Security

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