Did you know that anyone who sees an ad on the internet is at risk for a malvertising attack? Malvertising is a tactic that cybercriminals use to post ads (designed with a small piece of code) on trusted websites that directs victims’ devices to compromised servers. 

Some notable malicious advertising campaigns have been found on Yahoo, BBC, NFL, New York Times, and MSN, all very well-know, and generally trusted websites. Unfortunately, you don’t even have to click on the ad for the malvertising attack to take place; you just have to load the webpage.

How does malvertising work? When the user’s device connects to the compromised server, an exploit kit (i.e. malware that evaluates system vulnerabilities and exploits them) is launched, thereby giving the hacker access to the user’s device. Once the cybercriminal has access, they can download additional software to the device for malicious intent such as:

• Giving themselves full access to the user’s device
  • Taking over the computer
  • Tracking keystrokes (passwords)
• Accessing sensitive or financial information
  • Bank information
  • Credit card information
  • Tax returns
  • Investment information
  • Scanned documents (Birth Certificate, Drivers License, Passport)
• Locking your device and holding it ransom (ransomware)

While the list doesn’t stop there, it does help paint the picture of what can happen when a hacker has access to your device. Here are three simple steps you can take to help protect yourself:

1. Use Antivirus (Included with IDSeal Pro-Tec!) | Using antivirus is your best form of protection, since it is designed to prevent, detect and remove malicious programs found on your device. Perhaps you navigate to a website using a browser you typically don’t use (without your installed Ad Blocker) and are exposed to malicious ads. Ad blocker won’t be able to help you at this point, but antivirus would. 
2. Use Ad Blocker (Included with IDSeal Pro-Tec!) | Using an ad blocker removes the ads from your browsing experience altogether, thereby, helping you to avoid the malvertising in the first place. Tip: Remember which browsers you are running ad blocker on and choose to browse on those. If you choose to use a browser without ad blocker, you may expose yourself, unintentionally, to malvertising.
3. Be Wary of Fraudulent Advertisements | Financial scams (“Get Rich Quick!” & Gift Card Scams), Scareware (i.e. false warnings that your computer has a virus that require you to download fake cybersecurity software), and other ads that use scare tactics or are too-good-to-be-true.

You are the best form of protection against cybercriminals and their attacks. By being vigilant, using common sense, and utilizing device protection, you can help stop cybercriminals before they can even get started. 

Not protected yet and looking for device protection? IDSeal Platinum includes IDSeal Pro-Tec device protection at no additional charge. IDSeal Pro-Tec includes Antivirus, Ad Blocker, VPN, and many other device protection features to help protect your device. Click here to subscribe!

It is not possible to prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, or to effectively monitor all activity on the internet. IDSeal cannot and does not guarantee complete protection against cybercrime or identity theft. IDSeal does not monitor the activities of all financial institutions, or all activities of any particular financial institution.

 IDSeal Pro-Tec provides tools and resources to protect your data and identity, but no one can prevent all cybercrime or identity theft. Your own efforts are important to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information.