At Prodigi, we believe in empowering businesses in New Zealand—and individuals—to navigate the online world safely. Malvertising, a sneaky form of malware-laden advertising, is on the rise, with incidents increasing by 42% in late 2023. Cybercriminals are even using AI to make these malicious ads more convincing. But don’t worry; with a little knowledge and a dash of caution, you can stay one step ahead. Here’s how to spot and avoid these digital traps.
what is “malvertising?”
Malvertising is the use of online ads for malicious purposes. Think back to when the PlayStation 5 launched—hard to find, high in demand. Hackers took advantage, flooding search results with fake ads that redirected users to phony websites designed to steal login credentials and credit card details.
And it’s not just Google. Malicious ads can appear on hacked popular sites, social media feeds, or just about anywhere online.
tips for protecting yourself from malicious online ads
review urls carefully
Before clicking, inspect the link. Copycat sites often use slightly misspelled URLs or subtle changes to trick you. If something feels “off,” trust your instincts.
visit websites directly
If an ad boasts a big sale or exclusive offer, skip the link. Go directly to the brand’s official site to verify. It’s the safest way to shop.
use a dns filter
DNS filters are like digital safety nets. If you accidentally click a malicious ad, they’ll redirect you to a warning page, keeping your system safe.
do not log in after clicking an ad
Even if a site looks like the real deal, it might be a clone. Avoid entering your login credentials—navigate to the site independently instead.
don’t call ad phone numbers
Malvertising doesn’t stop online. Scammers often include phone numbers in ads, preying on unsuspecting victims. Never call numbers from ads. If in doubt, hang up immediately.
don’t download from ads
Beware of “free downloads” in ads. Offers like “Free PC Cleaner” or “Free MS Word” often hide malware designed to infect your device.
warn others when you see malvertising
If you spot a suspicious ad, spread the word! Alert friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can create a more cyber-aware community.
improve your online security today
Are your devices protected with the latest updates? Do you have a strong anti-malware solution? Is DNS filtering in place?
If you’re unsure about any of these, Prodigi is here to help. Our cybersecurity experts can guide you to affordable solutions that enhance your online safety.
Contact us today to schedule a chat and fortify your digital defenses.