Malvertising: Attack of the Bad Ads

Ever since this form of malicious advertising appeared in 2007, these bad ads have been growing in popularity. Why is malvertising so popular? Because you just never know – what if that banner ad on your favourite website going to hack you?

So, what exactly is malvertising?

Cybercriminals buy online ad space on websites that are legit, but then they upload adverts that are riddled with malware, viruses, spyware, ransomware, etc. basically all the stuff you want to avoid completely!

The main reason why malvertising is so dangerous is because it can affect online users without them even realising it. There are two forms of bad ads…

      1.       This is the most common way, which uses popup ads and warnings of a dangerous infection on the users system. The user then clicks to install an anti-virus, thinking it will help, but in fact the “software” is actually just malware or a virus.

      2.       The second way is also easy to fall victim to. A user will visit a legitimate site, but malicious ads have been loaded – users don’t even have to click on the bad ads for their PCs to become infected with malicious script!

You see, people expect to catch something grubby when they visit websites that sound dirty, but not from sites that are supposed to be trustworthy, like Spotify and even Forbes.

However when it comes down to website ads, they are bid for and then whoever wins the bet gets the ad space – no one checks or knows who the buyer is. This can cause problems, because it makes it incredibly easy for criminals to abuse the anonymity.

If you’re thinking you’re safe and sound because you never click on adverts, then you would be wrong. Everyone clicks on ads, sometimes you don’t even realise it’s an ad when you click it! And also, there are types of malvertising that you don’t even have to click for them to infect you!

Should you be feeling a bit concerned, then you need to know what to do to protect yourself…

      ·         Download an ad blocker. Stop those ads before they even pop up on your screen. BUT, a lot of popular sites need advertising to make money, so users may be asked to disable their ad blockers. Be wary of this – even if it is a creditable site.

      ·         Install a good antivirus or update yours. This really is your first defence against cybercriminals. We just happen to know a thing or two about great antivirus software; contact us (The Computer Guyz) for assistance.

      ·         Disable Java and Flash. Believe me, you don’t need it! The less plug-ins you have enabled on your PC, the less access points there are available for malvertising to take advantage of.

      ·         UPDATE. The only way to really be protected is to make sure there are no possible weaknesses for malvertising to find. Always update your OS, patch your software as well as update your browser to the latest version.

Still not feel safe? We are here to help! At The Computer Guyz, we’ll stop those sneaky bad ads from exploiting you. Simply give us a call on 087 001 0511/2 or email helpdesk@thecomputerguyz.co.za