Malvertising

Glossary

What is Malvertising?

Malvertising is a combination of the terms “malicious” and “advertising. ” It is the practice of injecting malware into web advertisements. Malicious entities, especially hackers, commonly distribute these hostile advertisements on legitimate and reputable websites, which can infect users’ devices without their knowledge.  

Unlike traditional malware, malvertising campaigns target people through trusted advertising networks, making them more deceitful and efficient.  

Understanding How Malvertising Works  

Malvertising takes advantage of the infrastructure that supports web advertising. Attackers typically use ad networks to purchase ad space on verified and widely used websites to reach more networks.  

In addition, these threat actors attach malware-spreading code to these advertisements, often without the sites’ or users’ knowledge. When a user sees a page containing a malicious ad, their device can become infected simply by loading the page or engaging with it, such as clicking or hovering over it.  

Common Malvertising Techniques  

Malvertising employs various deceptive techniques to infect users’ devices, often without their knowledge or interaction. Some of the methods that malicious individuals frequently use include: 

  1. Drive-by Downloads: When an ad is viewed, malicious software is automatically downloaded to the device without user intervention.  
  2. Clickjacking: this technique occurs when users are deceived into accessing seemingly legitimate advertisements that redirect users to malicious websites or launch unwanted downloads.  
  3. Malvertising can also exploit vulnerabilities in browsers, plugins, or operating systems to facilitate malware installation.  

Impact on Users and Devices  

Malvertising can compromise users’ devices by infecting them with malware through seemingly legitimate ads. It often leads to stolen personal data, unauthorised software installations, and browser redirections to unsafe websites. These attacks can decrease device performance and increase security risks, exposing users to potential fraud or identity theft. 

In addition, users may notice unexpected pop-up advertising, unwanted software installations, or performance concerns due to malware’s concealed operations on their devices.  

Signs of Malvertising Attacks  

  1. Unexpected Pop-ups or Redirections: If a visited website displays an extraordinary number of pop-ups or redirections, mainly when a user has not clicked anything, malvertising may be present on the page.  
  2. Slow Device Performance: If a device becomes considerably slower than usual after visiting specific websites or interacting with advertisements, spyware from malvertising may run in the background.  
  3. Unfamiliar apps or toolbars: Installing new, unauthorised browser extensions or applications on a device without the owner’s consent or knowledge may suggest malvertising activities.  

How To Protect Against Malvertising  

  1. Use Ad Blockers: Ad-blocking software or plugins prevent advertisements from appearing on websites, decreasing exposure to potential malvertising.  
  2. Keep software Updated: Browsers, plugins, and operating systems should be updated regularly to address vulnerabilities that malvertising can exploit.  
  3. Enable Security Features: Use antivirus software that includes online protection to prevent harmful websites and suspicious downloads.  

Malvertising is a prominent cybersecurity issue since threat actors distribute it through trustworthy ad networks. Staying watchful, updating software, and utilising security tools will help avoid infection and protect your device from this cybercriminal activity. 

How can iZOOlogic help my Company or Organisation? 

Find out how iZOOlogic can provide Malvertising protection solutions through our Threat Intelligence Services. 

To find out more about how iZOOlogic can help protect your company’s cyber security, schedule a demo.