Cyber attackers target Heath Ledger fans through search engines

Beware when searching for information on the late actor Heath Ledger.

Cyber attackers have uploaded malicious websites in an attempt to hijack search results and deceive internet users into downloading malware onto their computers.

According to internet security company Trend Micro, malware authors used the news of the Australian actor's death to jumpstart massive redirections to infected sites.

If the malicious links are clicked, users will be automatically redirected to another site that requires them to download a "new version of ActiveX Object." This will lead to a series of redirections that end in the download of different malicious files.

Internet users are advised to stick to established and verifiable news sites.

Just last month, malware authors targeted the assassination of Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto with a similar ploy.

Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment on Tuesday by his housekeeper and masseuse. Police said the death was caused by a possible drug overdose and appeared to be "accidental".