What is malvertising and how can you prevent it?

At a glance

• Malvertising is the use of online advertisements that distribute malware and can make computer devices vulnerable to hackers.
• To prevent malvertising, you can start by installing an antivirus software, using ad-blockers and disabling plug-ins.
• It’s vital to regularly update all software and applications to ensure your devices are securely protected.
• ·Learn more about online cybersecurity programs at University of Phoenix.

Over the past decade, hackers have grown more advanced and confident in their attempts to steal sensitive information. Cybercriminals will attempt to access bank details, passwords and other private data to disrupt a computer or a network’s security. Known collectively as malware, these malicious advertising programs are often difficult to deactivate, particularly once a hacker has gained access to your device, server or network.

In the past, a strong password and safe internet browsing habits could usually keep you safe from hackers. Today, that’s not enough. The future of cybersecurity will likely require additional protective measures, including firewalls and VPNs, to keep your personal and professional information safe.

In 2021, hackers attempted 5.4 billion malware attacks worldwide. Though that figure is considerably down from the 10.5 billion attacks in 2018, it still represents a large problem for people concerned about their digital information.

An estimated 450,000 new pieces of malware and potentially unwanted applications are registered daily by the IT security institute, AV-TEST. And according to Deloitte, more than 90% of cyberattacks begin with a malicious email, which, once opened, allows a hacker access to private data.

Malvertising — the use of malicious online ads to illegally distribute malware — is just one way hackers work to gain access to private data. Typically, hackers use malvertising to exploit vulnerabilities and inject malware directly into online advertisements. Hackers can even use malvertising across legitimate websites: When people click on innocent-looking ads, they can inadvertently trigger an upload of malicious code.

Today, malvertising is steadily gaining steam as an aggressive form of malware, one that can impact device health and result in lost information.

How does malvertising affect your devices?

Malvertising can affect a variety of devices, including computers, tablets and mobile phones. In fact, any device that stores passwords and bank details may be susceptible to malvertising. Malvertising can also affect a device even before hackers access sensitive information.

Slow operating speeds are one of the first signs of malware on your device. If webpages take longer to load, messages take longer to send or programs take longer to open, your device may be infected by malware as a result of malvertising. As malware attempts to access your data, it typically consumes large portions of your device’s memory and processing power, resulting in slower processing speed.

Then, malware works to gain access to your files quickly. As it does, you may notice you have trouble accessing your private information. For example, you might find yourself locked out of a database storing passwords. Similarly, you might discover that you can no longer access digital financial records. 

Pop-up messages and other forms of spam are other indicators of malvertising. You might begin to notice unexpected redirects when web browsing, new search toolbars or unfamiliar programs. You might also encounter spam messages, freezing screens or disabled firewall tools.

How to prevent malvertising

No matter how proactive you are about avoiding malware, malvertising is intimidating. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent malvertising or limit the damage if it gains access to your devices.

Install antivirus software

One of the first preventive steps is to install an antivirus program on your device. Look for antivirus programs that are easy to manage and that regularly scan for malware.

It’s also important to find an antivirus program that backs up your important files so that, should malvertising compromise the security of your device, your files will be secure.

Real-time scanning often separates the best antivirus programs from the rest. If you’re suspicious of a particular advertisement, or you simply need the peace of mind that your device is secure from any malvertising efforts, your antivirus program can run an on-demand scan to secure your files. Then, if the scan identifies unfamiliar files, you can take steps to eliminate them.

Use ad-blockers

Ad-blockers can also help protect your device from malvertising attacks. While antivirus programs protect your entire device from malware attacks, ad-blocking programs scan your device specifically for malvertising. This feature makes ad-blockers extremely valuable in preventing malvertising attempts before they materialize.

Depending on your ad preferences, ad-blockers can function in a few ways. Many ad-blocking programs can disable all ads on your device. If you want to see personalized ads from specific retailers you trust, you can choose to have your ad-blocker filter ads before they’re shown. As an added feature, many ad-blockers can also disable ad tracking, which prevents your device from sharing personal information with targeted advertisers.