Malvertising Warning! - Malware Distribution! Meaning and Prevention Methods of a New Type of Cybersecurity Threat

Hello! 😊

Today, we will delve into malvertising (Malvertising), the cyber threat hidden within advertisements.

Isn't it shocking that malware is spread through ads?
In this article, I will meticulously explain the working principle and prevention methods of malvertising.

🔍 What is Malvertising (Malvertising)?

Malvertising is a portmanteau of Malware and Advertising.
It looks like a normal advertisement, but it's a sophisticated cyberattack that can put you at risk the moment you click.

Why is Malvertising dangerous?

It looks like a normal ad, so it's easy to be fooled.
It exploits reliable platforms like Google Ads to lure users.
Clicking it can lead to malware distribution or information theft.
Malvertising is, in fact, at the forefront of modern cyber threats!

🌐 How Malvertising Works

Malvertising is not a simple attack.
It proceeds through a multi-stage process, secretly targeting users.

Step-by-step operation

1️⃣ Registering a normal ad
Initially, it is registered as a legitimate advertisement.
Because it looks like ordinary content, users don't suspect anything.

2️⃣ Collecting user information
When the ad is clicked, IP and browser information are collected to analyze the target of the attack.

3️⃣ Multi-stage redirection
It goes through multiple stages to eventually lead to a malicious site.
This is a core technology that makes security tracking difficult.

4️⃣ Malware download or information theft
Users download malware or enter sensitive information.

https://youtu.be/PdsjcMDbDQI?t=562 - Shocking Recent Malware Distribution Method! Malvertising!

🕵️‍♂️ Real Case: Attack Targeting Slack

There was a recent case of malvertising related to Slack.

• Attack Progress
  1️⃣ Exposed as a normal ad at the top of Google search ads.
  2️⃣ When a user clicks, it connects to a normal site.
  3️⃣ After some time, the ad link is changed to a malicious domain.
  4️⃣ Finally, malware is distributed to users.

• Lesson
  Because malvertising initially appears harmless,
  caution is required when clicking on ads!

Malvertising (Malvertising) Recent Cases and Prevention Methods

📌 Additional confirmed cases
Looking at recent cases, the danger of malvertising is even more palpable:

1️⃣ Exploiting the Google Ads platform

Malware distributors used Google Ads to disguise malicious ads as normal ads, luring users to malicious sites.
A few seconds after clicking, automatic redirection occurred, displaying a malware download window.

2️⃣ Ads disguised as famous software

Recently, fake ads using the names of widely used collaboration tools such as Slack and Zoom have appeared.
They mainly used the method of connecting to a normal page and then switching to a malicious page after building trust.

3️⃣ Ads linked to the dark web

Malicious ads were shared and resold on the dark web, spreading rapidly worldwide.
They mainly targeted credit card information and personal data, exploiting security vulnerabilities in companies.

🔒 Stronger Prevention Measures

To reduce the damage from malvertising, it is important to strengthen technical measures:

Remember these tips!

1️⃣ Use ad blockers
Installing ad-blocking software (e.g., AdGuard, uBlock) can significantly reduce malvertising exposure.

Or Brave browser

2️⃣ Utilize DNS security services
Using DNS filtering services (e.g., Cloudflare, OpenDNS) prevents connection to malicious domains.

3️⃣ Update Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
Corporate security personnel should regularly check for malvertising-related threat intelligence and update firewall rules.

4️⃣ Visit directly
Instead of clicking on ads, directly enter the website address in the browser address bar.

Malvertising is constantly evolving.
Continuous security learning and awareness of the latest cases are the key to maintaining a safe digital environment! 😊

🔒Additional Prevention Methods

1️⃣ Be cautious when clicking on ads
Even if the ad platform is trustworthy, do not click recklessly.
2️⃣ Develop the habit of checking URLs
Always check the website address (URL) after clicking on an ad.
3️⃣ Update security software
Always keep your browser, operating system, and security programs up-to-date.
Do not turn off the Windows Defender firewall, and use the real-time protection feature.
4️⃣ Use anti-malware programs
Use a trusted security solution for regular checks.
5️⃣ Report suspicious ads
If you find malicious ads, report them to platforms like Google and Naver.
You can prevent other users from being harmed.

📌 Conclusion

Malvertising can cause significant harm with just one click.
We all need to handle digital ads cautiously and strengthen our security habits.
Especially, ad platform operators should strengthen their malvertising detection systems.

Let's work together to create a safer digital world!

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