Understanding Malvertising: A Growing Online Threat

Malvertising, or malicious advertising, is one of the most common forms of cyberattack today. It is pervasive, showing up across social media platforms, websites, and even Google searches. Malvertising is becoming increasingly dangerous, especially as cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make these ads more convincing and harder to spot. According to Malwarebytes, malvertising incidents increased by 42% in the fall of 2023 alone, highlighting the rising prevalence of this threat.

With cybercriminals constantly evolving their tactics, it’s essential to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect yourself. Below, we’ll explain what malvertising is, how it works, and provide practical tips for avoiding these malicious ads.

What Is Malvertising?

Malvertising refers to the use of online advertisements to distribute malware or conduct malicious activities. These ads may look like legitimate promotional content, but they are designed to deceive users into visiting fake websites, downloading malicious software, or revealing personal information.

A Real-World Example: PlayStation 5 Launch

When the PlayStation 5 was released, its high demand created the perfect environment for cybercriminals to exploit. Malicious ads appeared in Google search results, pretending to link to official PlayStation websites. However, clicking on these ads led users to fraudulent copycat sites designed to steal user credentials and payment information.

While companies like Google try to monitor and remove malicious ads, hackers can often keep their ads running for hours or even days before they are detected. Unfortunately, Google is not the only platform where malvertising can appear. These malicious ads can also show up on popular websites that have been compromised or even on social media feeds.

How to Protect Yourself from Malvertising

Malvertising is a growing threat, but there are several proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

1. Review URLs Carefully

One of the simplest ways to avoid malvertising is to be vigilant about the URLs in online ads. Hackers often rely on subtle changes to URLs—such as slight misspellings or variations—to make their copycat websites appear legitimate. Always double-check the web address before clicking on any ad, and look for any irregularities that might indicate a scam.

2. Visit Websites Directly

A safe practice is to avoid clicking on ads altogether. Instead, go directly to the brand's website by typing the URL into your browser. If the brand is running a promotion, you should be able to find it on their official website. This strategy applies to all forms of phishing and fraudulent online behavior—always go straight to the source instead of clicking on questionable links

3. Use a DNS Filter

A Domain Name System (DNS) filter is a valuable tool for protecting yourself against accidental clicks on malicious links. DNS filters work by redirecting your browser to a warning page if it detects that a website is unsafe. They block access to known malicious sites, providing an additional layer of defense in case you inadvertently click on a harmful ad.

4. Avoid Logging in After Clicking an Ad

Many malvertising attacks redirect users to fraudulent websites designed to look identical to legitimate login pages. These sites are set up to steal your credentials, which can then be sold or used for further exploitation.

If you land on a login page after clicking an ad, do not enter your credentials. Instead, close the tab and visit the brand’s website directly in a new tab to ensure you're on a legitimate site.

5. Do Not Call Phone Numbers in Ads

Some malvertising campaigns also include phone numbers, aiming to trick victims into calling and speaking with fake customer service representatives. These scammers often target vulnerable populations, such as seniors, and attempt to extract personal information over the phone.

If you come across an ad with a phone number, do not call. If you accidentally end up on a call, do not share any personal information. Simply hang up and report the ad as suspicious.

6. Avoid Downloading from Ads

Malicious ads often offer “free” software downloads or enticing deals, such as free copies of popular programs like Microsoft Word or a “PC cleaner” tool. These downloads are usually designed to inject malware into your system, which can lead to further compromise of your device.

Never download anything from an ad that offers software or other “free” downloads. If the ad seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

7. Warn Others About Malvertising

If you spot a suspicious ad, it’s important to share your findings with others. Warn colleagues, friends, and family members about the potential threat so they can avoid falling victim as well. If you're unsure about an ad's legitimacy, do a quick Google search. You may come across scam alerts or discussions confirming that the ad is part of a larger fraudulent campaign.

Being proactive and sharing knowledge is a powerful way to foster a cyber-aware community and protect others from potential harm.

Enhance Your Online Security

In addition to the steps outlined above, you should also ensure that your device is equipped with the latest security patches and that you’re using robust anti-malware software. Installing DNS filtering tools can also provide additional protection from harmful websites.

If you're unsure whether your system is fully protected or need assistance setting up security measures, reach out to a trusted cybersecurity provider. Our team of experts can help you implement affordable solutions to secure your devices and data from online threats.

Get in Touch with Our Cybersecurity Experts

Is your device up-to-date with the latest security patches? Are you using a reliable anti-malware solution? If you’re unsure, contact us today. Our cybersecurity professionals can help you assess your current online security and implement best practices to keep your digital life secure.

Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you protect your devices from the growing threat of malvertising and other online dangers.