// THREAT DETECTION AND DATA PRIVACY TERM
Malvertising
Malvertising is when cybercriminals inject malicious code into legitimate online advertising networks, often leading to malware infections or redirects to harmful websites. This can happen without a user even clicking on an ad, simply by viewing a compromised advertisement.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Malvertising is a cyberattack vector that leverages legitimate digital advertising infrastructure and ad networks to distribute malware, exploit kits, or redirect users to phishing sites, often via drive-by downloads or malicious creatives embedded in display ads on trusted websites.
BACKGROUND
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim's personal data until a ransom is paid. Difficult-to-trace digital currencies such as paysafecard or Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are commonly used for the ransoms, making tracing and prosecuting the perpetrators difficult. Sometimes the original files can be retrieved without paying the ransom due to implementation mistakes, leaked cryptographic keys or a complete lack of encryption in the ransomware.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Malicious advertising
- Poisoned ads
- Ad-delivered malware
- Contaminated ads
- Ad-based attacks
USAGE NOTE
Businesses must implement robust ad-blocking solutions and content security policies to mitigate malvertising risks.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Malvertising.
Confiant is a leader in ad security, providing real-time protection against malvertising, ad fraud, and other malicious attacks for publishers and ad platforms.
GeoEdge offers an ad verification and security platform that specializes in protecting publishers and users from malvertising, malware, and other unwanted ad behaviors.
AdSecure provides publishers with an ad verification solution to detect and block malicious ads, including malvertising, ensuring a safe user experience and protecting ad revenue.
Google actively combats malvertising through its ad platforms (Google Ads, Ad Manager), Safe Browsing technology in Chrome, and security teams dedicated to identifying and removing malicious advertisements.
Microsoft develops technologies within its Edge browser, Microsoft Defender suite, and through its threat intelligence services (including those inherited from RiskIQ) to detect and block malvertising campaigns and associated threats.
Palo Alto Networks integrates threat intelligence into its next-generation firewalls and endpoint protection platforms to identify and block domains, malware, and exploits often associated with malvertising attacks.
The Media Trust provides digital security and ad quality solutions, focusing on protecting websites and their visitors from client-side threats like malvertising, ad fraud, and data leakage.