There are many types of malware. One of the most common is called “malvertising.” It crops up everywhere, including social media sites and websites. You can even see these malicious ads appear in Google search results.
Two things are making malvertising even more dangerous. One is that hackers use AI to make these ads very believable. The other is that malvertising on the rise, according to Malwarebytes. In the fall of 2023, malvertising increased by 42% (month over month).
It’s important to inform yourself about this online threat. Knowledge is the power to protect yourself, especially when it comes to malicious cybercriminals. In this blog article we’ll help you understand malvertising. We’ll also give you tips on identifying and avoiding it.
What Is “Malvertising?”
Malvertising is the use of online ads for malicious activities. One example is when the PlayStation 5 was first released. It was very hard to get, which created the perfect environment for hackers. Several malicious ads cropped up on Google searches. The ads made it look like someone was going to an official site, but instead, they went to copycat sites. Criminals design these sites to steal user credentials and credit card details.
Google attempts to police its ads, but hackers can often have their ads running for hours or days before they’re caught. These ads appear just as any other sponsored search ad on Google.
Google is not the only site where malvertising appears. It can appear on well-known sites that have been hacked and it can also appear on social media feeds.
Tips for Protecting Yourself from Malicious Online Ads
Review URLs Carefully
You might see a slight misspelling in an online ad’s URL. Just like phishing, malvertising often relies on copycat websites. Carefully review any links for things that look off.
Visit Websites Directly
A foolproof way to protect yourself is not to click on any ads. Instead, go to a brand’s website directly. If they truly are having a “big sale,” you should see it promoted there. This tip is useful for all types of phishing.
Use a DNS Filter
A DNS filter protects you from mistaken clicks. It will redirect your browser to a warning page if it detects danger. DNS filters look for warning signs and if detected, they will then block dangerous sites. This can keep you safe even if you accidentally click a malvertising link.
Do Not Log in After Clicking an Ad
Clicking on malvertising will often land you on a copycat site that may look nearly identical to the real thing, including a login page. One of the things phishers are trying to steal is login credentials and they can make substantial profits by gaining logins to sites like Netflix, banks, and more.
If you click an ad, do not input your login credentials on the site you are taken to, even if the site looks legitimate. Go to the brand’s site directly in a different browser tab.
Don’t Call Ad Phone Numbers
Phishing can also happen offline. Some malicious ads include phone numbers to call. Unsuspecting victims may not realize fake representatives are part of these scams. Seniors are often targeted with malvertising scams. They call and reveal personal information to the person on the other end of the line in an attempt to sound legitimate and extract further information from you.
Avoid calling numbers in online ads altogether, but if you do find yourself on a call, do not reveal any personal data; just hang up. Remember, this is an elaborate scam and scammers work hard to try to gain your trust and prey on triggers like fear.
Don’t Download from Ads
“Get a free copy of MS Word” or “Get a Free PC Cleaner.” These are common malvertising scams. They try to entice you into clicking a download link. It’s often for a popular program or freebie. The link actually injects your system with malware. The hacker can then do further damage.
Never click to download anything from an online ad. If you see an ad with a direct download link, it’s often a scam.
Warn Others When You See Malvertising
If you see a suspicious ad, warn others. This helps keep your colleagues, friends, and family more secure. If you’re unsure, try a Google search about the ad itself. You’ll often run across scam alerts confirming your suspicion.
It’s important to be smart and arm yourself with knowledge. You can then share this with others and foster a better cyber-aware community. It helps everyone ensure better online security as well alerting others of new scams cropping up.
Improve Your Online Security Today
Is your device up to date with security patches? Do you have a good anti-malware solution? Is DNS filtering installed to block dangerous websites?
If you’re not sure of any of those questions, contact us. Our cybersecurity experts are here. We’ll help you find affordable solutions to secure your online world.
Give us a call or email to schedule a chat about online security.
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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
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