How Does Malvertising Work?
The process of malvertising is long and complex. Cybercriminals use a combination of tools and techniques in different stages to launch a malvertising attack. They start with buying ad space or compromising legitimate networks to place malicious ads. After that, they create true copies of ads and inject malicious codes into them. Once this is done, they place these ads on legitimate sites and online platforms where users are most active for their online shopping, entertainment, banking, or socialising. When users see these promising ads, they can’t resist clicking them and seizing the deal.
As soon as users click the ads, it directs the user to the malicious websites that are planted with the malware. From these websites, malware infiltrates users’ devices and infects the whole system. Sometimes, hackers use the drive-by-download technique to install and spread malicious programs to devices and networks. When malware installs itself in the device, it starts self-replicating and spreads to every nook and corner of the device. After this, it connects to the remote server, hackers control, to smuggle all the data and credentials. In addition to this, hackers also use an exploit kit to run malicious operations once the malware is planted inside the device.
What Types of Malware Malvertising Spreads?
Ransomware
Trojans
Trojan horses are fake apps and files that look legitimate and real when you see them. But in reality, they are malicious programs cybercriminals use to launch cyberattacks. When you download them, they infect your system, taking control and giving attackers access. They are often displayed and prompted through fake downloads, software, or updates. Examples of trojans are Zeus, Emotet, Win32, etc.
Spyware
Adware
Cryptojacking Malware
Botnet Malware
Botnet malware turns your devices into a bot and connects it to other hacked devices to create a network that is called botnet. Cybercriminals can control and use these networks from a remote location and carry out all types of malicious activities. Malware can easily install malware into your device and turn it into a bot. Malicious actors use it to do all types of malicious activities such as large-scale cyberattacks, data theft, spamming, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, and more. Common examples of botnets are Mirai Botnet, Emotet, Zeus/Zbot, Cutwail/Pushd, etc.
Zero-Day Exploits
Malvertising is capable of launching zero-day exploits to infect your PC with the latest malware. It can exploit the vulnerabilities in your system to facilitate the infiltration of viruses and malware into your device. Common examples of zero-day exploits are Angler, Rog, Stuxnet, Google Chrome Zero-Day, iOS Zero-Day Exploits, etc.
How to Prevent Malvertising Attacks?
1. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Ads and Pop-Ups
2. Use a Trusted Ad Blocker
3. Keep All Software and Plugins Updated
4. Use Strong Antivirus and Internet Security Tools
Fortify your device with smart antivirus software consisting of cutting-edge features such as real-time protection, behaviour analysis, sandboxing, ransomware protection, spyware protection, and adware blocker. With the help of advanced antivirus software, you can easily prevent malware infections and keep your device clean, secure, and fully functional. Along with this, you must use internet security tools like VPN and firewall to protect your online privacy and prevent hackers from finding you and attacking you.
5. Uninstall Unnecessary or Outdated Plugins
If your computer, laptop, or mobile has any potentially unwanted applications or potentially unwanted programs, then get rid of them at once. These apps and programs use your system resources, making it slow down, which creates system vulnerabilities. Similarly, remove the plugins, add-ons, and extensions that you are not using any longer. Attackers target unnecessary plugins in your device to infiltrate malware and execute malvertising.
