Malvertising: Rising Threats in Online Ads

Today, small business cybersecurity is facing an old but rising challenge: malvertising. This malware is spread over social networking sites, frequently visited websites, and even Google. This is because, with AI’s help, cybercriminals can make the advertisements look very genuine. However, there has been a 42% rise in malvertising in 2023 as other reports have presented Malwarebytes. Preventing malvertising is one aspect of safeguarding your business. Hence, the more you know about malvertising, the better you can protect yourself and your business from it.  

Small business cybersecurity: Rising Threats of Malvertising and How to Protect Yourself

What is Malvertising? Small Business Cybersecurity 

Malvertising tricks users into visiting dangerous sites by posing as advertisements. People interacting with these ads were taken to fake sites. These sites are designed to get their login details. While Google does monitor ads, some manage to stay live for hours or even days. Sadly, malvertising is not exclusive to Google but has potential on any site or social media app. 

Tips for Avoiding Malicious Ads

Small business cybersecurity requires protection against malvertising. The tips below can assist one in having safe personal information. 

Always Double-Check URLs 

Lots of scams contain pretty similar URLs of genuine Internet sites. Like phishing, these take advantage of little differences that exist due to misspellings. First, it is always important to carefully scrutinize the URLs for any features that look out of the ordinary. 

Visit Sites Directly 

The best policy to follow is not to click any ads. Instead, go straight to the official site of the brand to confirm the promos. It is best to type the business URL rather than copy-pasting. This simple practice keeps the user safe from not only phishing scams but also advertisements. 

Use DNS Filtering 

A domain name system (DNS) filter is another security feature that can be added to your small business cybersecurity system. It helps by blocking unsafe websites. In case you follow a link in the ad, which happens to be fake or unwanted, the filter alerts you with the warning page. At the same time, it denies access to the dangerous website.  

Avoid Logging In on Ads 

Malvertising takes web users to what appear to be genuine pages to retrieve login details. In this case, do not type in any account information upon reaching a website after clicking an ad. It is also very critical to always open a new tab. Similarly, go straight to the website to log in to be safe. 

Don’t Call Numbers from Ads 

Some malvertising scams will request that victims call a number for their alleged “customer service representative.” These scammers usually focus on elders and try to receive information about them. Never dial phone numbers that are provided through Internet ads to also prevent these scams. 

Don’t Download from Ads 

Malicious ads are common and often click on tempting offers such as free downloads of popular software tools that contain viruses. One should not download any available item directly from an ad as this is risky. The moment you see a download link in a given ad it is most probably a fake. 

Alert Others About Malvertising Small Business Cybersecurity 

If you have seen a fake advert, you can try to warn other people about it to defend them. Teach what you have learned to your friends or colleagues at the workplace. Knowledgeable communities are the frontline when it comes to small business cybersecurity.  

Take Control of Your Small Business Cybersecurity 

Sensitive data, mobile devices, office networks and all forms of devices should have the latest security patches. Here at EB Solution, we have a team of expert IT and cybersecurity professionals. We can employ DNS filtering in your agency to block unsafe websites, as well as other protection. Furthermore, we also offer cybersecurity training for your team, to ensure they know what to watch out for. We know how to avoid malvertising and strengthen small business cybersecurity with economically viable services. 

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Small Business Cybersecurity