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As wildfires continue to threaten various areas in California, hackers are exploiting public interest in the fires to spread malware.

Symantec Security Response has confirmed a number of Web pages constructed by cybercriminals to spread malware to users who search for information about the fires.

Hackers are using search engine optimization techniques to push malware as users search for the latest breaking news, Symantec said.

Some sites display bogus security warnings, alerting users that their PCs need to be scanned for threats and urging users to download bogus anti-virus solutions.

Other sites offer fake "breaking news" video clips about the fires, luring users into installing malicious code on their computers by watching the videos.

To stay protected, Symantec suggests consumers should use best practices for online safety, including keeping their security updated and relying on well-known news outlets for the latest breaking news.

"This is the latest example of hackers taking advantage of tragedies and natural disasters to distribute malware, as they did following the death of Michael Jackson, Hurricane Katrina and the outbreak of swine flu," said Marian Merritt, Symantec's Internet Safety Advocate. "In times of crisis, it's important for consumers to remember to turn to trusted and reliable sources of information for the latest breaking news."

[ Symantec Security Operations Center photo courtesy of Symantec ]