When was the last time you clicked an online ad without thinking twice?
If it felt harmless, you’re in good company—scammers rely on that assumption.
Malvertising (short for malicious advertising) uses online ads to spread malware, steal sensitive information, or trick users into handing over money. These schemes are evolving fast, and no business is too small to be targeted.
Even worse, you don’t always need to click to be at risk. Sometimes, just viewing an ad with an outdated browser is enough to let malicious code in.
Here are the top three forms of malvertising you should know about:
- Scam malvertising:
These ads pretend your system is infected and urge you to call for “tech support.” Once you do, the scammers gain remote access to your device—then charge you to fix a problem they created. - Fake installer malvertising:
This trick involves ads that mimic trusted brands. You think you’re downloading real software, but it’s malware in disguise. - Drive-by download malvertising:
The most silent threat—this type installs harmful software just from loading an ad, especially if your browser isn’t up to date.
To protect your business, be alert to any ad that feels urgent or alarming.
Ask yourself: How would this site know anything about your computer?
Always inspect links before clicking. If the domain doesn’t look right, don’t proceed. And update your browser regularly—patches often fix the vulnerabilities these ads exploit.
It’s also crucial to keep your team informed. Educating employees on how to spot suspicious ads is one of the best ways to safeguard your data.
Cybercriminals prey on quick clicks and blind trust. Staying skeptical—and aware—can save you a major headache. Next time an ad feels off, pause and assess: Is this safe?
Want help training your team to spot malvertising and other online threats? We’ve got your back—let’s talk.
Web & Mobile Apps