Be Cautious with Google Searches – "Malvertising" Is Increasing!

Malware shows up in many ways, and one of the most common is called "malvertising." You might come across this threat on social media, websites, or even in Google search results.

Malvertising is especially dangerous for two reasons. First, hackers now use AI to make these ads look very real. Second, malvertising is increasing quickly. According to Malwarebytes, it went up by 42% in the fall of 2023 (month over month).

It's important to stay informed about this online threat. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself from cybercriminals. In this article, you'll find out what malvertising is and get tips to spot and avoid it.

What Does "Malvertising" Mean?

Malvertising refers to the use of online ads for malicious purposes. A prime example occurred when the PlayStation 5 was first released. Due to its high demand and limited availability, hackers saw an opportunity to exploit the situation. Several malicious ads appeared on Google searches, designed to resemble official sites. However, these ads led users to counterfeit websites created by criminals to steal user credentials and credit card information.

Google works to monitor its ads, but hackers can sometimes keep their fake ads online for hours or even days before they are found. These ads often look just like regular sponsored search ads.

Malvertising doesn't just happen on Google. It can also show up on popular websites that have been hacked or in your social media feed.

Tips to Safeguard Against Malicious Ads

Inspect URLs Before Clicking

Sometimes, an online ad’s URL might have a small typo. Like phishing, malvertising often uses fake websites to trick people. Always look closely at links for anything that seems strange or out of place.

Visit Websites Through Their Official Links

One of the best ways to stay safe is to avoid clicking on ads. Go directly to the brand’s official website instead. If there’s a real sale, you’ll see it there. This approach works for all types of phishing. Just skip the ads and visit the official site.

Enable DNS Filtering

A DNS filter protects you from accidental clicks by sending your browser to a warning page if it finds a threat. These filters look for warning signs and block dangerous sites, so you stay safe even if you click a malvertising link by mistake.

Never Log in Right After Clicking an Ad

Malvertising often directs you to a copycat site that may look identical to the real one. Phishers are often after login credentials, as they can sell access to high-value sites like Netflix, banks, and more.

If you click an ad and the site asks for your login details, don’t enter them, even if the site looks real. Instead, open a new tab and go to the brand’s official website yourself.

Avoid Calling Phone Numbers from Ads

Phishing can happen offline too. Some fake ads give you a phone number to call, and the people who answer are part of the scam. Older adults are often targeted by these tricks and may end up sharing personal information with scammers.

It's best not to call phone numbers you see in online ads. If you do end up on a call, don’t share any personal information. Just hang up. These scams are meant to play on your emotions and gain your trust.

Avoid Downloading Files from Ads

"Get a free copy of MS Word" or "Get a free PC Cleaner" are common malvertising scams. These ads entice users to click on a download link, which promises a popular program or freebie. However, the link often injects malware into your system, allowing the hacker to cause further damage.

Don’t download anything from an online ad. If you see an ad with a direct download link, it’s probably a scam.

Inform Others When You Spot Malvertising

If you see a suspicious ad, tell your colleagues, friends, and family so they can stay safe. If you’re unsure about an ad, search for it on Google. You’ll often find scam alerts that confirm your doubts.

Being proactive and learning about these threats is important. Share what you know with others to help build a cyber-aware community. This makes everyone safer online and helps spread the word about new scams as they appear.

Protect Your Business from Malvertising with Ayvant IT Service

Malvertising is a growing threat that uses fake online ads to steal sensitive information. It's getting harder to spot because hackers now use advanced tools like AI to make these ads look real.

To protect your business and personal data, it's important to stay alert by checking URLs, avoiding downloads from ads, and using DNS filtering. If you’re not sure how to protect your business from this threat, Ayvant IT Service can help.

Our cybersecurity solutions can help you secure your network and keep your systems safe from malvertising and other online threats. Contact us today to learn more about how we can improve your security.