Cybersecurity

Watch Out for Google Searches – “Malvertising” Is on the Rise!  

Zachary Kitchen

There are many types of malware. One of the most common is called “malvertising.” It crops up everywhere. Including social media sites and websites. You can also see these malicious ads on Google searches.

Two things are making malvertising even more dangerous. One is that hackers use AI to make it very believable. The other is that it’s on the rise, according to Malwarebytes. In the fall of 2023, malvertising increased by 42% (month over month).

It’s important to inform yourself about this online threat. Knowledge is the power to protect yourself. Especially when it comes to malicious cybercriminals. Below, we’ll help you understand malvertising. We’ll also give you tips on identifying and avoiding it.

What Is “Malvertising?”

Malvertising is the use of online ads for malicious activities. One example is when the PlayStation 5 was first released. It was very hard to get, which created the perfect environment for hackers. Several malicious ads cropped up on Google searches. The ads made it look like someone was going to an official site. But instead, they went to copycat sites. Criminals design these sites to steal user credentials and credit card details.

Google attempts to police its ads. But hackers can often have their ads running for hours or days before they’re caught. These ads appear just as any other sponsored search ad on Google.

Google is not the only site where malvertising appears. It can appear on well-known sites that have been hacked. It can also appear on social media feeds.

Tips for Protecting Yourself from Malicious Online Ads

Review URLs Carefully

You might see a slight misspelling in an online ad’s URL. Just like phishing, malvertising often relies on copycat websites. Carefully review any links for things that look off.

Visit Websites Directly

A foolproof way to protect yourself is not to click any ads. Instead, go to the brand’s website directly. If they truly are having a “big sale,” you should see it there. This tip is useful for all types of phishing. Just don’t click those links and go to the source directly.

Use a DNS Filter

A DNS filter protects you from mistaken clicks. It will redirect your browser to a warning page if it detects danger. DNS filters look for warning signs. They, then block dangerous sites. This can keep you safe even if you accidentally click a malvertising link.

Do Not Log in After Clicking an Ad

Malvertising will often land you on a copycat site. The login page may look identical to the real thing. One of the things phishers are trying to steal is login credentials. They can get big money for logins to sites like Netflix, banks, and more.

If you click an ad, do not input your login credentials on the site. Even if the site looks legitimate. Go to the brand’s site in a different browser tab.

Don’t Call Ad Phone Numbers

Phishing can also happen offline. Some malicious ads include phone numbers to call. Unsuspecting victims may not realize fake representatives are part of these scams. Seniors are often targeted with malvertising scams. They call and reveal personal information to the person on the other end of the line.

Just say no to calling numbers in online ads. If you find yourself on a call, do not reveal any personal data. Just hang up. Remember, this is an elaborate scam. These people prey on triggers like fear. They also work to gain your trust.

Don’t Download from Ads

“Get a free copy of MS Word” or “Get a Free PC Cleaner.” These are common malvertising scams. They try to entice you into clicking a download link. It’s often for a popular program or freebie. The link actually injects your system with malware. The hacker can then do further damage.

Never click to download anything from an online ad. If you see an ad with a direct download link, it’s often a scam.

Warn Others When You See Malvertising

If you see a suspicious ad, warn others. This helps keep your colleagues, friends, and family more secure. If you’re unsure, try a Google search on the ad. You’ll often run across scam alerts confirming your suspicion. 

It’s important to be smart and arm yourself with knowledge. You can then share this with others. Foster this type of cyber-aware community. It helps everyone ensure better online security as well as get alerted of new scams cropping up.

Improve Your Online Security Today

Is your device up to date with security patches? Do you have a good anti-malware solution? Is DNS filtering installed to block dangerous websites?

If you’re not sure of any of those questions, contact us. Our cybersecurity experts are here. We’ll help you find affordable solutions to secure your online world.

Give us a call or email to schedule a chat about online security.

Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

Zachary Kitchen

Get Your Free Cybersecurity Guide

Protect your business with expert tips. Fill out the form to download our comprehensive guide and enhance your cybersecurity.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By downloading you’re confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.

What business owners are saying about us...

Read testimonials from satisfied clients who trust Digital Crisis for their IT needs. Discover how we’ve helped businesses like yours.

Quote icon

When Our Server Crashed, I Expected Downtime For Days, They Had Us Back in Hours

As a small law firm, we needed reliable IT support that wouldn’t break the budget—but still delivered at the highest level. Digital Crisis gave us exactly that.
 
They helped us modernize our systems, move to the cloud, and streamline how we work. Now our team can securely access everything we need from anywhere—and we’ve never been more efficient.
 
When our server went down unexpectedly, they had us fully operational again within three hours. No panic. No delays. Just fast, professional support when we needed it most.
 
With Digital Crisis, we feel like we have a world-class IT department—without the overhead.
Scott Davenport
Managing Attorney, Davenport Law Firm
Quote icon

We Knew Something Had to Change

As a managing partner of our firm, I needed a technology partner who understood urgency—and our old IT company just didn’t get it. Every time we had an issue, we were forced to submit a ticket just to speak with someone. No one ever answered the phone. Everything felt like a battle, and we were stuck in a long-term contract with no flexibility.

 

When I called Digital Crisis, they picked up immediately. No ticket. No runaround. Just answers. Within minutes, they had already started helping us.

 

Looking back, I wish we had made the switch sooner. I didn’t need to be a tech expert—I just needed to make one good decision for my team. Now our systems are secure, we actually get support when we need it, and I don’t have to worry about IT holding us back.

 

If you’re tired of being ignored by your IT guy, do what I did. Take back control. Call Digital Crisis.

Rudy Culp
Managing Partner, Horrigan & Goehrs, LLP
Quote icon

I Couldn’t Afford IT Headaches When Starting My Firm

As the Managing Partner of a newly established law firm, I can confidently say that the seamlessness of our start-up is due in large part to the exceptional IT support provided by Zach and the team at Digital Crisis. From day one, they have been more than just a service provider—they've been true partners in our success.

Zach and his team have an incredible ability to anticipate our needs before we even voice them. Their proactive approach, deep expertise, and commitment to keeping our systems secure and efficient have given us the confidence to focus fully on building our practice.

Having reliable IT support is critical in the legal field, where security and uptime are non-negotiable. Thanks to Digital Crisis, we’ve had both—plus the peace of mind that comes from knowing we’re in capable hands. We couldn’t ask for a better tech partner.

Stacy Kelly
Mangaing Partner, Texas Probate Attorney, PLLC
Quote icon

They’re a Valuable Member of Our Team

Zach is great at explaining to us about our IT in plain-speak, rather than “geek-speak.” I genuinely feel like hiring Digital Crisis was the best decision I’ve made for my firm. If you want an IT expert who charges reasonable rates and is not just an IT guy, but a valuable member of your team, call Zach.
Keith Morris
Founder, Surplus Attorneys
Quote icon

My Firm Runs Like a Well-Oiled Machine

I’ve worked with Zach for over 15 years. Digital Crisis takes their time to understand my practice and doesn’t try to shove a cookie-cutter system down our throat. When Digital Crisis first came in, they took the time to understand our firm and helped streamline and modernize our processes.
Kelly Forester
Senior Partner, Matthews Forester Law Firm
Quote icon

My Firm’s Efficiency DOUBLED Overnight

I thought my firm was doing just fine with my previous IT setup- boy, was I wrong! Digital Crisis came in Updated Equipment and Technology. I wish I had used them ten years earlier when I first met Zach. You will be sold immediately by their knowledge, patience, and willingness to help.
Craig Ribbeck
Senior Partner, Ribbeck Law Firm
Quote icon

Digital Crisis Saves Us Thousands Every Year

We used to enter data quarterly that would easily take an average of two weeks each quarter to enter. Then, when Digital Crisis came in, they fully automated our process, taking minutes instead of weeks to process the same data, not only faster but more accurately, removing room for human error. The new system gets things done faster and saves us thousands every year in labor alone!
Sandy Hickey
Executive Assistant, PAS Online
Quote icon

We Make Money FASTER Because of Digital Crisis

In 2010, my business had an old DOS-based server from 1995 that ran our proprietary software, which crashed. If it weren’t for Zach, we’d have to start completely over! Not only was Digital Crisis able to restore all our data, but they were also able to migrate us to a modern system which allowed us to get paid faster and work remotely.
Sandra Van der Vorm
Owner, Vansteen Marine Supply
Quote icon

They Rescued My Practice

On a Friday, my practice had to be moved immediately without any notice. Digital Crisis not only managed to come out and get our IT up and running, but they had our phones and internet up and running by Monday morning, and we didn’t lose a single day of business!  I can’t recommend Zach and his team enough.
Marietta Cline, MD
Owner, Cline Pediatrics
Quote icon

I Never Lost a Day of Work During the Pandemic

Zach truly understands my firm’s needs and always provides valuable tips and tools to make my firm run more efficiently. For example, when the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, I didn’t lose a single day of work since Digital Crisis had me set up on their cloud system, and I could remote in from anywhere.
Pamela Stewart
Owner, Law Office of Pamela Stewart

Protect Your Network Against Cyber Threats

Contact Digital Crisis for a network security consultation and ensure your business is safeguarded against cyber threats.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.