Malvertising – Some Ads Are Not Just Annoying

Introduction

While ads are completely normal, and we see them everywhere, they tend to be pretty annoying, especially online. They interrupt songs, pop up everywhere, and sometimes even stalk us via tracking cookies. Most of the time, they are just annoying but harmless. However, sometimes they can create serious issues, too, one such case being malvertising.

What Is Malvertising?

Malvertising is a hack attack where malware is masked as a genuine ad. These malware-infected ads can be displayed even on reputable websites, which makes them particularly dangerous. 

Once a user clicks an ad, it can lead them to a malicious website, phishing attempt, or even directly infect their computer with malware.

The main issue with malvertising is that it can appear anywhere, disguised as a regular, trustworthy ad. It can infect any ad network on any website and affect an unlimited number of potential victims, making it a serious security risk.

Types Of Malvertising 

Attackers get very creative and seek different opportunities to insert malicious code via ads. 

One of the most common types is popup malvertising. Popups are particularly tricky, as they show up suddenly, and you might click on them by mistake, triggering malware.

Also, banner ads are often used to disguise malware as discount opportunities or to mimic big-name websites.

Content ads are problematic as attackers embed them into the article itself as links. Even videos and animations can be used for this purpose, which is especially tricky as they grab users’ attention easily.

Attackers can even hijack tracking pixels, making them both send and receive data, which would allow hackers unauthorized control over vulnerable information.

Also, skilled hackers can infiltrate malvertisment inside legitimate landing pages on reputable websites. Victims would click on a deal or promotion link, not knowing it will take them to a website that only mimics the real store, leading to infections.

How To Block Malvertising

The best way to block malvertising is to eradicate all ads via an adblock plugin. 

Total Adblock will protect your privacy by making sure no tracking cookie or malvertising attack slips by. Also, eliminating ads will speed up your browsing experience, as no ads will mean less bandwidth used.

Furthermore, Total Adblock works on mobile phones too, iOS and Android. That means you will stay protected even on the go.

Conclusion

As you can see, ads are more than just annoying. Malvertising is a big issue, and you don’t want to risk infecting your system with malware just by mistakenly clicking on an ad. Therefore, install Total Adblock, and never again worry about malvertising or any other type of annoying ad that pollutes your browsing experience.