Malvertising
Overview
Malvertising is the use of online advertising to spread malware, often by injecting malicious code into legitimate ads on trusted websites.
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Malvertising, a portmanteau of 'malicious' and 'advertising,' refers to the practice of using online advertisements to distribute malware. Cybercriminals exploit the vast reach of online advertising networks to place malicious ads on high-traffic websites. These ads often appear legitimate but contain hidden code that can automatically download malware onto a user's device when the ad is viewed or clicked. This technique leverages the trust users have in reputable websites, making it a highly effective method of malware distribution.
One of the key challenges of malvertising is that it can affect even well-known and trusted websites, as these sites often rely on third-party ad networks to serve advertisements. Malicious actors can infiltrate these networks, making it difficult for both the websites and the end-users to detect the threat. Additionally, malvertising can target a wide range of devices and operating systems, increasing the potential impact of an attack. The consequences for users can be severe, including data theft, financial loss, and compromised personal information.