Your Next Click Could Be a Cyber Attack: Stay Ahead of Malvertising

Watch Out for These Common Malvertising Attacks

Think back to the last online ad you clicked.

Did you assume it was safe?

If you did, you are not alone and that is exactly what scammers are counting on.

Malvertising, short for malicious advertising, is when scammers use seemingly legitimate online ads to trick people into downloading malware, handing over personal information, or even making payments.

These attacks are becoming more sophisticated and pose a growing threat to businesses of all sizes. And here is the alarming part. You do not even have to click on a malicious ad to be affected. Just loading it in an outdated browser could compromise your device.

Three Common Types of Malvertising

Understanding how these scams work is the first step to staying protected. Here are the most common techniques:

Scam malvertising: These ads claim your computer is infected and prompt you to call for support. Once you do, scammers convince you to install remote access software and then charge you to fix a problem that does not exist.
Fake installer malvertising: These ads lead to counterfeit websites that mimic trusted brands. You think you are downloading legitimate software, but it is actually malware.
Drive by download malvertising: This type infects your system without any clicks at all. Simply viewing the ad in an outdated browser can trigger an automatic download of malicious files or extensions.

How to Protect Your Business

Stay cautious: If an ad claims you have been hacked or urges you to take immediate action, pause and think. How would the advertiser know anything about your system?
Check before you click: Hover over links and ensure they lead to trusted domains. If it looks suspicious, skip it.
Keep browsers up to date: Software updates often patch the exact vulnerabilities that drive by malvertising targets.
Train your team: Your employees are your first line of defence. Regular training helps them recognise red flags and avoid risky clicks.

Scammers rely on your trust and urgency.

But a healthy dose of caution can go a long way. Next time something feels off, trust your instincts and pause before you click.

Want to strengthen your team’s defences against malvertising and other online threats? We can help. Get in touch today.