Malicious ads on Google are on the rise, and they can send you to fake websites or bad downloads; learn what malvertising looks like and how to avoid it so your business stays safe.
Malvertising, In Plain English
Malvertising is when criminals use online ads to spread scams or malware. These ads can appear in search results, on social networks, and even on well-known websites. They often look completely legitimate.
Two trends are making this worse. Scammers now lean on AI to polish their ads and fake sites so they look convincing. And the volume is climbing: in the fall of 2023, malvertising jumped 42% month over month (Malwarebytes).
How These Scams Fool People
When the PlayStation 5 first launched and was hard to find, bogus search ads popped up. They pretended to be official stores but sent people to lookalike sites built to steal logins and credit card details. This is a common playbook.
While Google does review ads, criminals can sometimes run bad ads for hours or even days before they’re removed. They appear just like normal sponsored results. And it’s not limited to Google—malvertising shows up on social feeds and on popular websites that have been compromised.
How to Spot Malicious Ads on Google and Elsewhere
- Slow down and inspect the link. Copycat sites often use slight misspellings or extra words in the web address. If anything looks off, don’t click.
- Go straight to the source. Instead of clicking an ad about a “big sale,” type the company’s web address into your browser or use a bookmark. If the deal is real, you’ll see it there.
- Use a DNS filter. A DNS filtering tool can block known dangerous sites and show a warning page if you click something risky by mistake. It’s a helpful safety net for teams in offices around Panama City and across Bay County.
- Never sign in after arriving from an ad. Fake sites often copy the exact look of a brand’s login page to capture usernames and passwords. If you did click an ad, open a new tab and navigate to the company’s site yourself before logging in.
- Don’t call phone numbers shown in ads. Some scams push you to “call support.” The person on the line may pressure you or try to earn your trust to collect personal details. Hang up and find the official number on the company’s own website.
- Skip downloads offered in ads. Promises like “Get MS Word at no cost” or “Free PC cleaner” are classic traps. Clicking often installs malware instead of helpful software. Avoid downloading anything directly from an ad.
- Spread the word. If you spot a suspicious ad, tell your team, friends, and family. A quick search for the ad text often turns up scam warnings. Building a “heads-up” culture helps everyone stay safer.
Tighten Up Your Online Security
Strong basics make a big difference against malvertising and other threats. Are your computers and devices fully patched? Do you have quality anti-malware in place? Is DNS filtering set up to block known bad sites?
If you’re unsure, Flux Labs can help your business put the right protections in place and keep them up to date.
Sources and further reading
Need practical help reducing risk from ads and other scams? Let’s talk about protections that fit your workflow—get in touch.
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