As online activity surges during the holiday shopping season, businesses face heightened risks of cyberattacks. Hackers take advantage of increased transactions and distracted consumers, targeting systems vulnerabilities and data security. For business leaders, safeguarding your operations and customer trust has never been more critical.
One of the most common attacks is called “malvertising.” Malvertising is a type of malware attack, where software is installed without the user’s consent and is designed to attack their computer or network. During a Malvertising attacker, the user clicks on an advertisement that they believe to be legitimate, but this is the first step is capturing the user’s attention to direct them to a malicious site or to secretly download malware. These malicious ads can be found on social media sites, websites, and Google searches.
An example of this would be, when the PlayStation 5 was first released. They were difficult to find and purchase, which created the perfect environment for hackers to set their traps. Several malicious ads popped up on Google searches. The ads made it look like someone was going to an official site but instead, they went to copycat sites. Criminals design these sites to steal user credentials and credit card details.
Google attempts to police its ads. But hackers can often have their ads running for hours or days before they’re caught. These ads appear just as any other sponsored search ad on Google.
Google is not the only site where malvertising appears. It can appear on well-known sites that have been hacked. It can also appear on social media feeds.
In fact, hackers are now leveraging AI to create highly convincing ads, making malvertising even more dangerous. All of this is important, because the more you know the more you are able to protect yourself and your business from malicious cybercriminals.
To help you stay ahead of the hackers, we have provided a few examples to protect yourself and your business below.
Tips for Protecting Yourself from Malicious Online Ads
Review URLs Carefully
You might see a slight misspelling or added character in an online ad’s URL. For example, instead of Amazon.com the URL to the malicious site could be Am-azon.com Just like phishing, malvertising often relies on copycat websites. Carefully review any links for things that look off.
Visit Websites Directly
A foolproof way to protect yourself is not to click any ads. Instead, go to the brand’s website directly. If they truly are having a “big sale,” you should see it there. This tip is useful for all types of phishing. Just don’t click those links and go to the source directly.
Use a DNS Filter
A DNS filter protects you from mistaken clicks as they look for warning signs for malicious sites and blocks them. It will redirect your browser to a warning page if it detects danger. This can keep you safe even if you accidentally click a malvertising link.
Do Not Log in After Clicking an Ad
Malvertising will often land you on a copycat site. The login page may look identical to the real thing. One of the things phishers are trying to steal is login credentials. Stolen logins for streaming services, financial institutions, and other platforms can be sold on dark web markets for significant profit.
If you do click a malicious ad, avoid putting in your login credentials, even if the site appears legitimate. Instead, navigate directly to the brand’s official website in a separate browser window.
Don’t Call Ad Phone Numbers
Phishing extends beyond online tactics, with malvertising scams often targeting seniors through deceptive phone numbers tat connect victims to fraudulent representatives.
As a rule of thumb, just say no to calling numbers in online ads. If you find yourself on a call, do not reveal any personal data; just hang up. These scammers strategically exploit fears while systematically working to gain your trust.
Don’t Download from Ads
“Get a free copy of MS Word” or “Get a Free PC Cleaner.” These are common malvertising scams. Scammers entice victims with downloadable links for popular programs or freebies, which inject malware into your system, enabling further cyberattacks.
Never click to download anything from an online ad. If you see an ad with a direct download link, it’s often a scam.
Warn Other When You See Malvertising
If you see a suspicious ad, warn others. This helps keep your colleagues, friends, and family more secure. If you’re unsure, try a Google search on the ad. You’ll often run across scam alerts confirming your suspicion.
It’s important to be smart and arm yourself with knowledge. You can then share this with others. Foster this type of cyber-aware community. It helps everyone ensure better online security as well as get alerted of new scams cropping up.
Improve Your Online Security Today
Is your device up to date with security patches? Do you have a good anti-malware solution? Is DNS filtering installed to block dangerous websites?
If you’re not sure of any of those questions, it’s time to reach out to All in Technology. Our cybersecurity experts are here to help you and keep your business running smoothly. We’ll help you find affordable solutions to secure your online world and let you spend more time running your business.