The Dark Side of Online Ads: What Is Malvertising?

Picture this: you’re casually browsing the web, looking for a new recipe, reading the news, or trying to find the answer to that burning question about which actor played the bartender in that one movie (because, yes, it’s that important).

You notice a shiny banner ad that promises you something irresistible – maybe it’s a “miracle” cure or a deal too good to pass up. You click, and BOOM! Suddenly, your computer starts acting like it’s auditioning for a horror film. What just happened?

Well, my friend, you’ve just encountered the sneaky world of malvertising.

But what is malvertising, you ask? In simple terms, it’s malicious advertising. And no, it’s not just those annoying pop-ups offering you sketchy diet pills or spammy emails selling “luxury” watches. Malvertising is a cyber threat that’s sophisticated, deceptive, and potentially dangerous.

Let’s break it down and explore how it works, its history, and, most importantly, how you can avoid getting caught in its web of deceit.

Malvertising 101: What Are Malicious Ads?

To get to the bottom of this, let’s start with a solid definition of malvertising: malvertising (a portmanteau of "malicious" and "advertising") is when online advertisements are used to distribute malware or unwanted code.

These ads often appear on legitimate websites and look like any other harmless banner ads or digital ads. But lurking beneath the surface of that ad is something sinister – malicious code that aims to infect your device.

Malvertising doesn’t need you to be a gullible click-happy user to wreak havoc. Sometimes, just visiting a page with an infected ad can lead to an attack, thanks to something called a drive-by download.

This is where the malicious payload (aka the bad stuff) is delivered to your system without you doing much more than looking at the ad. Scary, right?

Definition of Malvertising

Malvertising is a type of malicious advertising that uses online ads to spread malware, scams, and other types of malicious software. Imagine browsing your favorite website and seeing a seemingly harmless ad. But hidden within that ad is malicious code, ready to wreak havoc on your device.

This is the essence of malvertising – a cyber attack technique that injects malicious code within digital ads, making it a serious challenge to cybersecurity. What makes malvertising particularly insidious is its ability to compromise a victim’s system in a stealthy manner, often without any obvious signs or warnings.

And the worst part? These malicious ads can appear on any site, even those you visit daily as part of your regular internet browsing.

A Brief History of Malvertising

Malvertising isn’t exactly new. It has been around since the early 2000s, growing more sophisticated and harmful over the years.

Early malvertising campaigns were simpler, involving shady ads with malicious content that required users to click to play or interact in some way before their device was infected. However, as web users became more cautious, attackers evolved.

In 2007, one of the first major malvertising campaigns made headlines. A series of infected ads ran across legitimate websites like MySpace and The New York Times, exploiting vulnerabilities in web browsers to infect users with malicious software.

Over the years, the rise of advertising platforms and ad networks allowed malicious actors to slip their infected ads into legitimate digital ad spaces. What’s worse is that these ad networks have become automated, making it easier for hackers to distribute malicious ad payloads at scale.

In 2015, a massive malvertising attack affected major sites like MSN, Yahoo, and AOL, spreading malware through online advertisements seen by millions of users.

This attack infected thousands of computers with malicious adware, allowing hackers to install malware or trigger drive-by downloads when ad loads occurred.

How Does Malvertising Work?

Malvertising may sound like something that requires deep technical know-how, but the truth is that even a casual website visitor can fall victim without realizing it. Malicious ads can appear as pop-ups, banner ads, or even within video players on seemingly legitimate websites.

These malicious advertisements often come from compromised or unchecked ad networks. Here’s a typical scenario of a malvertising attack:

1. Ad loads: An infected ad is loaded onto a website, usually from a third-party ad network.
2. Malicious code injection: The ad contains hidden malicious code designed to exploit vulnerabilities in the user’s computer or mobile device.
3. User interaction: Sometimes, all it takes is a user click on the ad or interacting with the page in some way. Other times, no interaction is necessary – the ad automatically triggers a drive-by download.
4. Malicious payload delivery: Once the ad has done its dirty work, it delivers a malicious payload, such as a malicious program or exploit kit, directly to the victim’s system.

The payload could be anything from malicious software to spyware, malicious adware, or even ransomware. Some malvertising attacks redirect users to a malicious website designed to download malware onto their devices.

Types of Malvertising Attacks

Malvertising can take various forms, each exploiting different aspects of the digital ad ecosystem to deploy malware or conduct scams. Here are some common types of malvertising attacks:

• Forced Redirects: These malicious ads redirect users to a malicious website, where they may be tricked into downloading malware or revealing sensitive information.
• Phishing: Malicious ads that trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information.
• Cryptojacking: Malicious ads that use a user’s device to mine cryptocurrency without their knowledge or consent.
• Drive-by Downloads: Malicious ads that download malware onto a user’s device without their knowledge or consent.

Each of these attacks leverages the trust users place in legitimate websites and ad networks, making them particularly dangerous.

Forced Redirects via Malicious Ads

Forced redirects via malicious ads are a type of malvertising attack that can catch you off guard. Picture this: you’re browsing a website, and suddenly, without clicking on anything, you’re whisked away to a completely different site.

This new site is often designed to look legitimate but is actually a malicious site aiming to steal your sensitive information or install malware on your device. Sometimes, even just viewing the ad without clicking can trigger the redirect.

It’s a sneaky tactic that exploits the ad network’s vulnerabilities, making it a potent weapon in a cybercriminal’s arsenal.

Phishing and Cryptojacking through Malvertising

Phishing and cryptojacking are two particularly crafty types of malvertising attacks. In a phishing attack, malicious ads masquerade as legitimate ones, tricking users into revealing sensitive information like login credentials or financial details.

You might think you’re entering your information on a trusted site, but in reality, you’re handing it over to cybercriminals.

Cryptojacking, on the other hand, is a bit more covert. Malicious ads use your device’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency without your knowledge or consent.

You might notice your device running slower than usual, but you wouldn’t necessarily suspect that a malicious ad is the culprit. Both of these attacks highlight the deceptive nature of malvertising and the importance of staying vigilant.

Drive-by Download via Malicious Code

Drive-by downloads via malicious code are perhaps the most insidious type of malvertising attack. These attacks don’t require any interaction from you – simply visiting a website with a malicious ad can result in malware being downloaded onto your device.

The malicious code embedded in the ad exploits vulnerabilities in your browser or operating system, delivering its payload without you even realizing it. This malware can then steal sensitive information, install additional malicious software, or perform other harmful activities.

Detecting and preventing malvertising attacks can be challenging due to their sophisticated nature.

However, by using ad blockers, keeping your software and operating system up to date, and being cautious when clicking on ads or downloading software, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these attacks.

Famous Examples of Malvertising Campaigns

Let’s take a look at some examples of malvertising campaigns that shook the digital world:

1. Angler Exploit Kit (2016): This was one of the most infamous malvertising attacks ever. Cybercriminals used malicious adverts on reputable websites, such as Forbes and The Daily Mail, to infect users with the Angler exploit kit. This kit targeted vulnerabilities in operating systems and browsers, leading to malware infection.
2. Zedo (2014): Zedo was an ad-serving platform that became infamous for distributing malicious content via its ad calls. Some of the ads from this ad network were designed to redirect users to malicious websites. Millions of users were affected before the breach was identified and the malvertising campaign was shut down.
3. The Equifax Malvertising Incident (2017): As if the Equifax data breach wasn’t bad enough, the company’s website became a host for malvertising shortly after the breach was revealed. Visitors to the site were exposed to infected ads that led to fake tech support scams, which tried to extract sensitive information from users.

How to Avoid Malvertising Like a Pro

Now that you know what malvertising is, you’re probably wondering how to avoid it. Here are some tips to help you dodge malicious advertisements and keep your device safe:

Install Antivirus Software

Good antivirus software will detect and remove malware before it infects your system. Regular scans will ensure that any malicious software picked up from online ads or malvertising campaigns is caught and dealt with promptly.

Use Ad Blockers

Installing ad blockers or ad-blocking software is one of the easiest ways to stop malicious ads from reaching your browser. An ad blocker prevents most ads from loading altogether, including those sneaky infected ads.

Update Software Regularly

Exploit kits target vulnerabilities in outdated software, so make sure your operating system, web browser, and antivirus software are up to date. This will help prevent malware infections caused by malicious activity hidden in ads.

Scan Ad Creatives

If you run a website or work in digital advertising, make sure to scan ad creatives for signs of malicious content. You can use malvertising prevention tools to identify infected ads before they reach your site’s visitors.

Use a VPN

When browsing the web, especially on public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN adds an extra layer of protection by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic. It also helps block access to malicious websites. Consider using Mysterium VPN for top-notch security and privacy!

What To Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to Malvertising

If you’ve already clicked on a malicious advertisement or suspect that your device has been infected by malvertising, don’t panic – there’s hope! Here’s what you can do:

1. Disconnect from the Internet: Immediately disconnect from the Internet to prevent any further damage or remote access by the attackers.
2. Run a Full System Scan: Use your antivirus software to run a full system scan. Look for any signs of malware infection and remove any threats identified.
3. Check Your Browser: Malvertising often changes browser settings, such as your homepage or default search engine. Reset your browser settings and clear your cache and cookies.
4. Monitor Financial Transactions: If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, monitor your financial accounts for any unusual activity.
5. Get Professional Help: If you’re unsure about what steps to take, consider reaching out to a cybersecurity professional to help secure your system.

General Cybersecurity Tips When Browsing Online

In addition to avoiding malvertising, here are some general cybersecurity best practices when it comes to online ads and browsing:

• Avoid Clicking on Ads: It might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning – avoid clicking on any ad that looks suspicious or too good to be true. Even legitimate websites can host malicious advertisements, so proceed with caution.
• Be Wary of Pop-Ups: Pop-ups are often associated with malicious advertising and tech support scams. If one appears out of nowhere, avoid interacting with it.
• Use Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions, like ad blockers and anti-malware tools, can protect you from malicious adverts and ad malware.

Wrapping It Up: Stay Safe from Malvertising

Malvertising may sound like something out of a dystopian thriller, but it’s a real and present danger in today’s world of online advertising. It hides in plain sight, preying on unsuspecting users who simply want to browse the web in peace.

However, armed with the right tools, knowledge, and perhaps a VPN (hint, hint), you can protect yourself from the dark side of online ads.

So, the next time you see a flashy digital ad offering you the moon, remember that not all ads are what they seem, and some might just lead you down a path of malware infection. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and happy (and cautious) browsing!

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