{"id":8198,"date":"2019-06-19T19:13:30","date_gmt":"2019-06-19T13:43:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antivirus.comodo.com\/blog\/?p=8198"},"modified":"2020-09-17T13:45:44","modified_gmt":"2020-09-17T08:15:44","slug":"malvertising","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antivirus.comodo.com\/blog\/computer-safety\/malvertising\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Malvertising?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n\"Malvertising\"
\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Have you heard of an advertisement that installs malware on the computer and mobile devices? It is called malvertising.<\/p>\n

Over the last years, malvertising keeps gaining popularity. It has become one of the leading causes of malware infections. Even the New York Times, Spotify, and London Stock Exchange websites fell victim to it.<\/p>\n

Malvertising is a technique for installing malware using advertisements. A malicious code is inserted into the ad. Then the hacker bids space on the advertiser\u2019s page via an ad network. It is a network that accommodates legitimate advertisers worldwide.<\/p>\n

The malicious ad displayed on the website redirects users to a malware-infected website that installs malware silently. Because the installation occurs in the background, the user has no knowledge of it. That’s how malvertising works.<\/p>\n

What is the Difference Between Malvertising and Adware?<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s another type of malware that also involves malicious ads. It is called adware<\/a>. Malvertising is often confused with adware. To better understand the difference between the two, let\u2019s discuss how adware works.<\/p>\n

Adware Definition<\/a>: Adware is a malicious software designed to generate ads on the computer. The ads redirect users to the advertiser\u2019s page who sponsors the adware.<\/p>\n

Adware also collects browsing information that is transmitted to the hacker via a remote server. The hacker sells the information to advertisers for marketing purposes. That\u2019s how adware works.<\/p>\n

Now, we already have a better understanding of malvertising and adware. Malvertising is a technique for installing malware by inserting malicious ads on legitimate websites. While adware is a malicious software that produces ads on the computer to generate revenue for the advertiser who sponsors adware.<\/p>\n

\"comodo<\/a><\/p>\n

How Malvertising Takes Place?<\/h3>\n

Do you know that you can fall victim to malvertising in many ways? Hackers have developed different methods to deploy malvertising on computers and mobile devices. To give you an idea about these malvertising deployment methods, we listed some of them:<\/p>\n

1. Malvertising on Web Banner<\/strong><\/p>\n

Online ads, particularly web banners, are common on different websites. It is no wonder why hackers use web banners to deliver malware. The malicious code is concealed behind the image by altering pixels. When the user clicks on the image, the malicious code executes malware. An ad network is a complex system, making a malware infected ad difficult to detect.<\/p>\n

2. Malvertising on Videos<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today, it is common for advertisers to insert advertisements on videos. The reason hackers use videos to deliver malvertising. Due to loose authentication on video players, hackers can easily insert a malware infected ad on it that redirects users to a malicious website.<\/p>\n

3. Malvertising on Pop ups<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pop ups are also common on computers and mobile devices. Many users are unaware that some pop ups are deceptive. Some of them are designed to install malware when they load on the computer.<\/p>\n

4. Malvertising on Landing Page<\/strong><\/p>\n

A landing page can also be infected with malicious advertisements. The website owner may unknowingly display a malware infected ad that opens unwanted pages.<\/p>\n

How to Prevent Malvertising?<\/h3>\n

Malvertising may perfectly conceal malware, but it is preventable. Below are some effective ways to prevent malvertising:<\/p>\n