Be Careful What You Click

Scams and malware are preying on your trust by hiding behind the online ads that sit on web pages. It’s called “malvertising,” and if you’re not vigilant at spotting it, you could get burned! Malvertising is the use of online, malicious advertisements to spread malware through ad displays. It puts scam search ads at the top of search results and tricks people into inadvertently handing over their passwords or downloading malware.

Cybercriminals have learned to embed malware into otherwise safe ads all over the internet. Once the user clicks on the infected ad, malicious code gets into their computer or smartphone. Sometimes, merely visiting a website hosting such ads can result in an attack on your device. Malware is any software intentionally designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer, thus prompting users to enter login credentials and financial information, giving criminal actors access to steal funds and other personal information.

The internet is like a dark forest, but it doesn’t mean you have to stay out! You just need a flashlight and some protection before you enter! Here are a few suggestions on how to protect yourself against malvertising:

• Use an ad blocker – You can’t click on what you can’t see.  
• Install antivirus software on your device – Cybersecurity software is the most efficient form of anti-malvertising protection.
• Check the email address or URL more closely. Scammers use similar website addresses or emails to appear legitimate, but if you look closely, you may find one letter or number that is off.
• Save browser bookmarks for the sites you use most often.

If you have questions or think you may be a victim of “malvertising,” please contact us. We’re here to help!