Watch out for these common ‘malvertising’ scams
Think back to the last online advert you clicked on…
Did you just assume it was legitimate? If you did, you’re not alone – and that’s exactly what cybercriminals are hoping for.
Malvertising, short for malicious advertising, is when attackers use online ads to trick people into downloading harmful software, disclosing sensitive data such as passwords, or even making direct payments.
These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pose a growing risk to businesses of all sizes. Alarmingly, you don’t even have to click on a malicious ad to be affected – simply loading it in an outdated browser could be enough to compromise your system.
The three most common forms of malvertising are known as scam malvertising, fake installer malvertising, and drive-by download malvertising. Here’s how each one works:
- Scam malvertising presents an alarming message, claiming your device is infected and urging you to call a support number. Once you do, you’re convinced to install software that gives attackers remote access to your system – and they’ll even charge you for “fixing” the issue they created.
- Fake installer malvertising uses ads that direct you to fake versions of websites you trust. You think you’re downloading genuine software, but instead, you’re installing malware.
- Drive-by download malvertising doesn’t require a click at all. Just loading the page in an unpatched browser can silently download malicious files or add-ons in the background.
Spotting these tactics is key to protecting your business. If you see an ad warning that your device is compromised or urging immediate action, pause and ask yourself: How would this company know what’s happening on my computer?
Always check URLs carefully before clicking – if the link doesn’t look legitimate, don’t risk it. And make sure your browser is fully up to date, as updates often patch the vulnerabilities these attacks rely on.
Don’t keep this information to yourself – educate your team, too. Employees are your first line of defence, and helping them identify suspicious ads could prevent serious security breaches.
Cybercriminals rely on blind trust. But staying alert and questioning what you see online can make all the difference. So next time an ad doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts… and think twice before you click.
Need help protecting your team and systems from malvertising and other online threats? Contact us at GZD – we’ll help you strengthen your business’s IT security.
