Have you ever clicked on an online ad and just assumed it was legitimate? If so, you're not alone - and that’s exactly what cybercriminals are hoping for. Malvertising, short for malicious advertising, is a deceptive tactic used by scammers to trick users into downloading harmful software, revealing sensitive data, or even handing over money. These attacks are becoming more advanced and pose a growing threat to businesses of all sizes. Alarmingly, you don’t even have to click on a suspicious ad to become a victim. In many cases, simply loading the ad in an outdated browser is enough to compromise your device.
There are a few common forms of malvertising you should be aware of. One is scam malvertising, where an ad falsely claims your computer is infected and urges you to call for technical support. Once you’re on the line, scammers persuade you to install software that gives them remote access to your system, then charge you a fee to “fix” the fake issue. Another type is fake installer malvertising, which leads you to lookalike websites posing as trusted brands. You think you're downloading something safe, but instead, you're infecting your device with malware. The third common technique is known as drive-by download malvertising, which doesn't require any interaction at all - just visiting a compromised webpage using an outdated browser can result in malware being installed automatically.
The best defence is awareness. If you ever come across an ad that claims your system has been hacked or insists you need to act urgently, stop and think. Ask yourself: how would this company know anything about your device? Always double-check links before clicking, and if something doesn’t look quite right, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep your browser updated, as new versions fix security vulnerabilities that these scams often target. And don’t forget to educate your team - your employees are the first line of defence, and giving them the tools to recognise suspicious ads can prevent major security breaches. Scammers are counting on you to trust without question, but staying cautious and thinking twice before clicking could make all the difference.
If you’d like help training your team to recognise and avoid malvertising and other online threats, we’re here to help - just reach out.
