Web security company, Sucuri, has revealed a new negative SEO tactic involving the malicious insertion of photos into Google My Business listings.
These photos are distasteful by nature, designed to damage a business’s reputation when searched for in Google. Unlike other malicious SEO tactics that may involve site hacks, Sucuri found this tactic does not involve images hosted or linked on the client server. Instead, the images are hosted in the Google Maps Images section.
## How is This Happening?
This attack exploits Google’s Knowledge Graph. Anyone can add photos to a business’s location in Google Maps, and the Knowledge Graph often displays the most recently uploaded image. If an attacker spams a business’s Google Maps listing with inappropriate images, there’s a strong chance they’ll be displayed in search results. A savvy hacker could even send fake hits to these images to make them appear popular, further increasing the likelihood of them showing up in search results.
Sucuri likens defacing a business’s Knowledge Graph panel to defacing its website, potentially causing significant damage to a business’s reputation since Google is often a primary referral source for organic website traffic.
## How Can A Business Protect Itself?
To check if your business has been targeted, search for your business name and see which photos appear. You can also review the photos section of your Google My Business (GMB) listing, where you can remove any inappropriate images.
Being proactive by periodically checking your GMB photos is advised. With a verified GMB listing, you can add or remove photos, making it easier to prevent this attack if detected.
While Sucuri hasn’t specified how widespread this negative SEO issue is, its prominence on their blog suggests it’s a significant concern worth monitoring.
