• October 13, 2008

Hackers are creating dead-replicas of fake YouTube pages to push malicious software onto consumers' computers. The Associated Press reported Monday that a program circulating online helps hackers build fake YouTube pages.

Users who follow an e-mail pointing them to one of the pages see an error message claiming that the video they want won't play without first installing new software. The error message prompts the person to click on the link to download a malicious program, which installs a virus. Once the computer is infected, it's simple for the hacker to redirect the victims to a real YouTube page to see videos they were hoping to see and hide the crime.

The tactic of infecting consumers' computers with virus isn't new, but highlights the need for ad agencies and social networks to protect themselves, clients and consumers who want to watch videos.--Laurie Sullivan