1. Google is slowly moving its AI-powered Search Generative Experience (SGE) into mainstream results, which is increasing the risk of scams and malicious attacks appearing in search responses.
2. Scammers are taking advantage of SGE by using targeted SEO poisoning campaigns to redirect users to spam and malicious sites, potentially stealing personal information.
3. To protect yourself, be cautious of links that seem too good to be true, double-check URLs, and invest in antivirus software to monitor for malicious content. Google is updating its spam-fighting system to combat these issues.
Google has begun rolling out its AI-powered Search Generative Experience (SGE) from the experimental phase into mainstream results, but this has led to an increase in scams and malicious attacks. SGE generates AI-written responses to complex user queries that cannot be answered by a single website, linking out to high-profile websites referenced in the summary. However, spam and malicious sites have been appearing in these responses, increasing the risk of users falling victim to scams.
Previously, users had to opt-in to AI search results to access SGE, but it is now being offered to a wider audience, including those who may not be aware of the potential risks. Some potentially dangerous websites have been recommended by SGE in conversational responses, heightening the risk of falling for scams, particularly among less technical users.
Scammers have been using targeted SEO poisoning campaigns to get their malicious sites indexed by Google despite containing content that is normally ignored. Users may unknowingly click on seemingly normal links, only to be redirected to scam sites that try to trick them into accepting browser notifications or steal personal information. The best way to protect yourself is to be cautious of links that seem too good to be true, double check URLs, and unsubscribe from browser notifications on suspicious sites.
Google is constantly updating its algorithm to combat these scams, but scammers are also adapting to bypass these protections. As Google continues to develop SGE to handle complex queries, the risk of falling victim to scams through AI-generated responses remains a concern. It is important to stay vigilant and invest in reliable antivirus programs to protect against malicious content.