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What Is “Malvertising?”

Malvertising is the use of online ads for malicious activities. One example is when the PlayStation 5 was first released. It was very hard to get, which created the perfect environment for hackers. Several malicious ads cropped 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.

Tips for Protecting Yourself from Malicious Online Ads

Review URLs Carefully

Pay close attention to the URL in any online ad. Often, malvertising relies on slightly misspelled or altered website addresses, similar to phishing scams. Before clicking, take a moment to check if the link looks unusual or suspicious.

Visit Websites Directly

The safest approach is to avoid clicking on ads altogether. Instead, visit the brand’s official website directly by typing its address into your browser. If there’s a genuine sale or offer, it will be clearly displayed there. This strategy works well for avoiding all types of phishing attempts—always go straight to the source.

Use a DNS Filter

A DNS filter can protect you if you accidentally click on a malicious ad. These tools analyze website traffic and redirect your browser to a warning page if they detect a threat. By blocking access to harmful sites, a DNS filter adds an extra layer of security against malvertising.

Do Not Log in After Clicking an Ad

Malvertising often redirects you to fake websites designed to look identical to legitimate ones. These sites aim to steal your login credentials, which can be sold for a high price, especially for accounts like Netflix or online banking.

If you click on an ad, avoid entering your login details—even if the site looks real. Instead, open a new browser tab and visit the official website directly to log in.

Don’t Call Ad Phone Numbers

Malvertising scams aren’t limited to the web; they can extend offline too. Some malicious ads include fake customer service numbers, where scammers pose as representatives to steal personal information. This tactic often targets seniors, exploiting their trust and fear to gather sensitive details.

Avoid calling numbers listed in online ads. If you do find yourself on such a call, never share personal data. Hang up immediately and remember—these scammers use fear and manipulation to trick you.

Don’t Download from Ads

Scammers often use tempting offers like “Get a free copy of MS Word” or “Download a Free PC Cleaner” to lure you into clicking a download link. While it may look legitimate, the link often installs malware on your device, allowing hackers to cause further harm.

To protect yourself, never click to download anything from an online ad. Ads with direct download links are usually scams and should be avoided.

Warn Other When You See Malvertising

If you come across a suspicious ad, take a moment to warn others. Sharing your findings can help protect your colleagues, friends, and family. If you’re unsure about an ad, do a quick Google search—many scam alerts confirm whether an ad is malicious.

Being informed is your best defense. By sharing what you know, you can create a cyber-aware community that stays vigilant against malvertising and other online threats. Together, you can improve online security and stay ahead of new scams.

Is Your Device Secure?

Ask yourself:

• Is your device up to date with the latest security patches?
• Do you have a reliable anti-malware solution in place?
• Is DNS filtering set up to block harmful websites?

If you’re unsure about any of these, we’re here to help. Our cybersecurity experts at Cynxt can provide affordable and effective solutions to secure your online environment.

Reach out to us to schedule a conversation about your online security needs.

At Cynxt, we specialize in IT solutions that give you peace of mind. Contact us today or call (256) 456-5858 to schedule an appointment. Located at the Shoals Business Incubator in Florence, AL, we’re committed to helping you keep your digital operations secure and running smoothly.