Let’s be honest – when was the last time you clicked on an online ad and really questioned whether it was legit?
If you just shrugged and said, “Never,” you’re not alone. And that’s exactly what cybercriminals are counting on.
Welcome to the world of malvertising – short for malicious advertising. These aren’t just sketchy ads… they’re full-blown traps designed to infect your devices, steal data, and drain your wallet.
And here’s the kicker: sometimes you don’t even have to click anything. Just loading the ad in an outdated browser can compromise your system.
3 Malvertising Tactics You Need to Know NOW
Cybercriminals are getting sneaky. Here are the top tricks they’re using to take down businesses like yours:
–Scam Malvertising
You see a flashing warning: “Your PC is infected! Call now!”
Once you call, fake “tech support” convinces you to install remote access software… and boom—they take over your system and charge you for a fake fix.
–Fake Installer Malvertising
You click an ad for software you think is from a trusted brand. But it’s a perfect clone—and what you’re actually downloading is malware.
–Drive-by Download Malvertising
This one’s pure evil. You don’t click anything. Just visiting a site with a malicious ad (especially in an outdated browser) is enough to automatically install malware.
Here’s How to Outsmart the Scammers
Scammers rely on one thing: that you won’t think twice.
But you’re smarter than that. Here’s how to fight back:
Pause and think before clicking an ad—especially if it’s using scare tactics. Ask yourself: “How would they know anything about my device?”
Check the link. If it doesn’t go to a legit domain, don’t trust it.
Keep your browser updated. Drive-by attacks love old software with unpatched vulnerabilities.
Train your team. Your employees are your first line of defense. A single bad click can cost your business big.
Empower Your Team to Spot the Red Flags
Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and antivirus software—it’s about awareness. And that starts with your people.
If you want to give your team the tools to recognize and shut down these threats before they do damage, we can help.
Let’s talk about how to strengthen your defenses and keep your business safe from malvertising and beyond.
