Malvertising” is a portmanteau of "malicious advertising." It refers to a tactic used by malicious actors to ransomware web user information and it’s on the rise. With stats suggesting attacks are 72% higher on average since the COVID 19 pandemic began in 2020, it’s more important than ever that each of us understand the full extent of these particular threats and are equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to make sure we aren’t falling prey to these attacks in the current cyberspace environment. Malvertising refers to the practice of delivering malware (malicious software) or conducting malicious activities through online advertising networks and advertisements. Malvertisements typically appear on legitimate websites, often without the knowledge or consent of the website owners or ad networks.
So, what is malvertising in laymen terms?
In this day and age, we’d never dream of going out and leaving our doors unlocked and windows wide open – that’s just letting all the Burglar Bill’s of the world help themselves to your belongings. Just as you lock your doors and secure your home against Burglar Bill’s, it's crucial to safeguard your digital life from online threats like malvertising.
Imagine this scenario: you're browsing your favourite website, reading articles, and enjoying the content. As you scroll down, you encounter an eye-catching ad offering a fantastic deal on a product you've been eyeing. It looks legitimate, just like any other advertisement. Little do you know; this seemingly harmless ad could be harbouring a hidden danger – malvertising.
At its core, malvertising is a digital Trojan horse. Cybercriminals use this cunning technique to deliver malware, which is malicious software designed to harm your computer, steal your data, or gain unauthorised access to your system. They accomplish this by disguising malware within online ads, making them appear innocuous to both website owners and visitors.
How Malvertising Works: The Anatomy of a Cyber Threat
To understand malvertising better, let's break down how it operates:
-
Malware Payload: Cybercriminals create or embed malware (such as viruses, Trojans, ransomware, or spyware) into online advertisements. This malware is the hidden danger concealed within the ad.
-
Distribution Channels: Malvertisements are spread through legitimate advertising networks. These networks are responsible for delivering ads to various websites. Cybercriminals often use fake or compromised accounts to submit their malicious ads, which can pass through security checks unnoticed.
-
Infection Process: When you visit a website that hosts a malvertisement, the ad is displayed on your screen, just like any other ad. The dangerous part is what happens behind the scenes. In some cases, the malware may automatically download and infect your device without your knowledge or consent. In other instances, the malvertisement might attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in your web browser or software to deliver the malware.
-
Stealthy Techniques: Malvertisers employ sophisticated tactics to conceal their malicious activities, making it challenging to detect and block their ads. These tactics often include evading ad network security checks and frequently changing the content of their malicious ads to avoid detection.
The consequences of falling victim to malvertising can be severe:
-
Malware Infections: Clicking on or interacting with a malicious ad can lead to the unintentional downloading of malware onto your device, which can result in data theft, system compromise, or other cyberattacks.
-
Data Theft: Malvertisements can be used to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, and even personal data.
-
Financial Loss: Malware delivered through malvertising can lead to financial losses through ransomware attacks, banking trojans, or other forms of financial fraud.
-
Reputation Damage: Websites hosting malvertisements unknowingly may suffer reputational damage, as users may associate the malware infection with the site itself.
Protecting Yourself from Malvertising: Practical Measures
Just as you take precautions in the physical world to keep your home and belongings safe, you should also safeguard your digital life from malvertising. Here are some practical steps to protect yourself online:
-
Use Ad Blockers: Ad-blocking browser extensions or software can effectively prevent malvertisements from displaying on your screen. These tools filter out potentially harmful ads, ensuring a safer browsing experience.
-
Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your web browser, plugins, and operating system to the latest versions. Software updates often include critical security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.
-
Install Security Software: Deploy reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to scan and block malicious downloads and activities on your device.
-
Educate Yourself and Others: Educate yourself and your family or colleagues about the risks of clicking on online advertisements. Encourage caution, especially when interacting with ads on unfamiliar websites.
-
Secure Your Website: If you're a website owner, implement security measures like Content Security Policy (CSP) to control which sources can load content on your site, reducing the risk of malicious content infiltrating your webpages.
-
Choose Advertising Partners Wisely: Website owners should carefully vet their advertising partners and networks. Opt for reputable ad providers with robust security measures in place to detect and prevent malvertising.
In conclusion, malvertising is a hidden digital danger that can compromise your online security and privacy. By staying vigilant, using protective tools like ad blockers, and following best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to malvertising and keep your digital world safe from these cyber intruders. At Innov8 we can help you find the right solution to keep you safe and secure online, drop us an email on info@innov8.co.uk .