Cybersecurity experts at Sophos are warning Australian internet users about a growing cyber threat related to a specific search term: “Are Bengal Cats legal in Australia.” Researchers from the UK-based cybersecurity firm have highlighted the risk of SEO poisoning, a tactic that cybercriminals use to manipulate search engine rankings and deceive users into visiting malicious websites.
According to Sophos, the phrase “Are Bengal Cats legal in Australia” is trending online, and users searching for it may be led to websites that appear legitimate but are, in fact, designed to launch “Clickware” attacks. These deceptive sites often prompt visitors to input personal information or expose them to malware, which can steal sensitive data such as passwords and financial details.
The reason why Australian users are being specifically targeted by this SEO poisoning campaign is still under investigation. Cybersecurity experts believe the unusual trend might be linked to growing online interest in Bengal cats, a hybrid breed of cat created by crossing an Asian leopard cat with a domestic feline. While these cats are legal in some parts of Australia, specific regulations apply, with only certain generations (F1 and F3) being banned from breeding.
In addition to the risk of “Clickware,” the attack is also reportedly linked to Gootloader malware, which can steal personal information, including login credentials and banking details.
‘Sophos’ Advice for Online Safety
Sophos is advising Australian users to stay alert and exercise caution when clicking on links from search engine results, especially those related to the trending phrase. To protect themselves, users should:
  a.) Change passwords regularly, especially for banking and personal accounts.
  b.) Monitor bank accounts for any unauthorized or suspicious activity.
   c.) Keep devices updated with the latest security patches and software.
   d.) Use reliable anti-malware solutions to protect against potential threats.
What Is SEO Poisoning?
SEO poisoning is a technique used by cybercriminals to manipulate search engine rankings and drive traffic to malicious websites. These fraudulent pages often contain malware or redirect users to phishing sites that steal personal information or install harmful software.
Additional Note:
While Bengal cats are legal to breed in Australia, there are restrictions on certain generations of the breed (F1 and F3), which are prohibited. However, the importation of Bengal cats is not allowed under current regulations.
