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What is Malvertising? Working and Examples

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025
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Cyber attacks are extremely dangerous attacks executed on the Internet. Cyber attacks give unauthorized access to hackers/ cyber criminals of the users or the organizations of the computer system. Modern times have recorded a huge increase in cyber attacks conducted every second.

Malvertising
Malvertising

Cyber attacks are very dangerous in nature because the data which the cyber criminals aim for attacking is important to the user/ organization and confidential data has been stored on the computer systems for performing certain operations.

What is Malvertising?

Malvertising, or malicious advertising, is a type of cyberattack whereby an attacker uses an internet ad to distribute malware. The ad appears normal but has embedded malicious code that can infect your computer when clicked or even as the ad loads on a web page.

  • It installs malware, hijacks your information, or directs you to infected sites.
  • It seems on a real websites, such as news sites, social media, and even reputed platforms.
  • It is difficult to identify because the advertisements appear legitimate, and you don't even have to click on them to become infected.

How Does Malvertising Work?

  • Malvertising attacks can be complex in nature and use many other techniques to execute the attack. Typically, attackers first compromise a third-party server that allows cybercriminals to inject malicious code into display ads or their elements, such as  Banner ads, creative images, or video content.
  • Once a website visitor clicks on it, the broken code in the ad installs malware (malware) or adware on the user's computer. Attackers can also redirect users to malicious websites and use deception or social engineering techniques to facilitate attacks.
  • Malvertising attacks can also run exploit kits, a form of malware designed to scan a system and exploit vulnerabilities or holes in it.

Malvertising vs. Ad Malware

While both involve malicious ads, there’s a key difference:

AspectMalvertisingAd Malware
DefinitionMalicious ads distributed through legitimate ad networks to spread malware.Malware specifically designed to attack ad networks or disrupt ads.
PurposeTo infect users’ devices with malware through ads.To harm ad networks, disrupt ad delivery, or steal ad revenue.
How It WorksHackers create malicious ads and upload them to ad networks. When users see or click on these ads, malware is delivered.Malware targets ad networks, corrupting ads or stealing data from advertisers.
TargetEnd users (people browsing websites).Ad networks, advertisers, and publishers.
Common ExamplesPop-up ads with hidden malware, fake download buttons, or redirects to harmful sites.Malware that hijacks ad spaces, replaces legitimate ads with malicious ones, or steals ad data.
Impact on UsersUsers’ devices get infected with malware, leading to data theft or financial loss.Users may see corrupted or fake ads, but the primary target is the ad network.
Impact on Ad NetworksDamages the reputation of ad networks and websites hosting the ads.Disrupts ad delivery, reduces ad revenue, and harms the ad network’s operations.
PreventionUse ad blockers, avoid suspicious ads, and keep software updated.Ad networks need to strengthen security measures to detect and block ad malware.

Example of Malvertising

  • Angler Exploit Kit: This malvertising attack is an example of drive-by downloads. It automatically redirects visitors to malicious websites, and exploit kits can exploit vulnerabilities in popular web extensions such as Adobe Flash, Microsoft Silverlight, and Oracle Java.
  • RoughTed:  RoughTed used the Amazon cloud, Content Delivery Network, and an ad exchange network to advertise through a changing URL campaign. This campaign was able to get past ad-blockers and many antivirus solutions. The cybercriminals behind RoughTed used this campaign to steal information from victims.
  • KS Clean: It is a malvertising campaign targeting malvertising in mobile applications. Once downloaded, the malware triggers in-app notifications, alerting users to security concerns and prompting them to update the app. However, if the user agrees to the upgrade, the installation process does complete and the cybercriminal is granted administrative rights to their mobile device.

Impacts of Malvertising

  • The extremely complex advertisement system falls prey to cyber attackers that aim at targeting the content of the advertising ecosystem network. Malvertising affects all the users who access the malicious code injected web page.
  • Ads impacted by malvertising are difficult to distinguish from normal ads, making them very dangerous when executed.  
  • Malware is injected through the following ways :
    • Creative ads: Creative ads attract users to view and click on them, making them the prey to malvertising. 
    • Advertisement click: It is often observed that advertisement click is the most common way for malvertisement to take place. Users clicking on malicious advertisements get redirected to harmful websites.  
    • Calling of advertisements: The advertisement call process includes many devices and servers that typically end up being impacted by malicious code and falling prey to malvertising. 
    • Malvertising is a harmful cybercrime as it not only leads to loss of data but also loss of revenue and liability damages to authenticated users. 

How Do Malvertising Affect Users?

Malvertisements can cause serious harm, including:

  • Malware Infections: Your system may be infected with viruses, ransomware, or spyware.
  • Data Theft: Hackers might steal your private data, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
  • Financial Loss: Malware may deplete your bank account or execute unauthorized transactions.
  • Device Damage: Your phone or computer can become slow, crash, or rendered unusable.

How to Identify Malvertising

Malvertisements can be tricky to spot because they often look like regular ads. However, here are some warning signs to watch out for:

1. Too Good to Be True:

  • Advertisements for free gifts, excessive discounts, or prizes.
  • Example: "Win a free iPhone! Click here!"

2. Suspicious Pop-Ups:

  • In this unexpected pop-ups come and asking you to click or download something.
  • Example: “Your computer is infected! Download this antivirus now!”

3. Poor Design:

  • Ads with low-quality graphics, spelling mistakes, or awkward layouts come on the user screen.
  • Example: Ads with blurry images or broken text.

4. Unusual Behavior:

  • Ads that redirect you to strange websites or start downloads automatically.
  • Example: Clicking an ad takes you to a fake login page or starts downloading a file.

Prevention from Malvertising

  • Careful Inspection of Security Paths: Delivery paths should be carefully checked for advertisement. Unwanted code should not be a part of the computer system network.  
  • Well-protected Firewalls: Proper security policies and a wall-protected firewall can help in protecting computer systems from the injection of malicious code into them.
  • Restriction of File formats: Restricting the allowed file format for ads also helps to prevent unwanted code from entering the system.  
  • Strong updated antivirus: Updated antivirus and browser plugins contribute to the protection of malvertising attacks.  
  • Proper Firewall: Ad blockers can also help in the protection from malvertising attacks as they together block all ads on the web page.  

Conclusion

Malvertising is a stealthy and perilous cyber threat, but with the proper precautions, you can keep yourself safe. By learning how it works and using the advice in this guide, you can surf the web safely and steer clear of harmful ads. Be on your guard, and keep in mind: if an ad seems fishy, it's best to steer clear of it!

Cyber attackers are guilty culprits just as any other criminals. The intent of cyber attackers behind exploiting the privacy of users is equally punishable in the eyes of the law. Cyber attackers deserve severe punishment for carrying out cyber attacks. Proper awareness about cyber attacks can help in the prevention of cyber crimes.


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