Cybersecurity firm Bitdefender said that a newly discovered form of malware called MosaicLoader, which targets Windows devices, is now being delivered to victims via ads in search results.
The malware is distributed through links in search results when people search for cracked versions of popular software.
While the security firm explained that employees who work from home are most vulnerable as they are more likely to download cracked software, the firm said that the malware can be used to download a variety of threats to compromised devices.
One the threats is Glupteba, a malware that creates a backdoor to infected devices and can be used to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and financial details.
It is possible that the malware could be detected by antivirus software, but many users who download illegally cracked software have most likely turned off their protection mechanisms in order to download the software successfully.
Users should avoid disabling antivirus protection and be wary of anything that could lead to malicious software entering their systems.
For more information, read the original story in ZDNet.