What is Malvertising?

2024-11-05

Tuesday (Cybersecurity) Tips 💻🔒 – What is Malvertising?

In today’s digital world, most websites you visit will feature some form of advertising, such as ad banners or embedded videos. These ads often grab your attention with bold claims, promotions, or promises of free products. Based on your browsing history, some ads are more likely to catch your eye! 👀

What is Malvertising? 🤔

Malicious advertising, or malvertising, is when cybercriminals use ads to spread malware or trick users into providing sensitive information. Clicking on a malicious ad while browsing a webpage might redirect you to a fake login page or retail site that requests your sensitive information. Some malvertising can even download harmful files onto your system. 🚨

How Do Cybercriminals Gain Access to Ads? 👾

Websites typically don’t choose who advertises on their pages. Instead, they use ad networks to manage advertisers, traffic, and payments. Cybercriminals exploit this system by tricking ad networks into believing they are legitimate advertisers. Once in, they use their ads to target unsuspecting users. 🎯
Remember, just because you are on a reputable, well-known website does not mean the ads are safe to click. ⚠️

Stay Safe from Harmful Ads: 🛡️

📢 Think Before You Click: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 🤨

📢 Stay Updated: Keep your device and browser security patches up-to-date. 🔄

📢 Use Ad Blockers: Installing a reputable ad blocker can help protect you from malvertising by preventing ads from being displayed. 🚫

Stay safe out there! 🛡️💻 #cybersecurity #digitaltips #onlinesafety #malvertising #securityawareness