Oops - government-backed site inadvertently linked to malware

Embarrassment all round as a government-backed website designed to champion the UK's start-up businesses has inadvertently linked users to malware, according to security firm Sophos and the BBC.

They should have talked to us first, as the new version of Sitemorse software - Sitemorse V7 - protects our clients against just these kinds of issues, scanning links for malware, virus links and 'phishing', as well as making sure links and domains are secure against would-be saboteurs.

StartUp Britain, launched on Monday, apparently linked to a page hosting fake anti-virus programs.

A BBC online news story cited two other recent examples of this type of problem:

  • Last month, the London Stock Exchange hosted booby-trapped adverts that asked visitors to download similar fake security software. 
  • And this week, music streaming service Spotify apologised after 'malverts' were served to some of its users. 

So-called 'malvertising' is becoming a growing problem for businesses, but smart users can help guard against it.

Links:

Sitemorse website

BBC article: Government-backed website in malware scare

 

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