Malvertising, a form of malware delivered by online advertisements, is on the rise. This dangerous tactic is increasingly targeting small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), government agencies, and industries like financial services, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare in Northern Kentucky and beyond. Protecting your business from cyber threats like malvertising is crucial for maintaining compliance, ensuring operational continuity, and locking down the personally identifiable information of your business and your clients.

What Is “Malvertising?”

Malvertising involves the use of seemingly legitimate online ads to spread malware or steal sensitive information. For example, during the PlayStation 5 release, hackers exploited the high demand by placing fake ads that led users to malicious websites designed to steal login credentials and payment details. These scams aren’t limited to obscure sites; they can appear on trusted platforms, including Google search results, social media feeds, and reputable websites that have been compromised.

Why Is Malvertising More Dangerous Than Ever?

Industries at Risk

Malvertising poses a significant threat to:

  • Financial and Tax Services: These sectors handle sensitive client data, making them prime targets for credential theft.

  • Manufacturing and Logistics: Cyberattacks can disrupt supply chains, causing costly delays and commanding hefty ransoms to prevent lengthy downtime.

Healthcare Providers: With strict regulatory compliance standards, a breach could lead to hefty fines and loss of client trust.

Tips for Protecting Yourself from Malicious Online Ads

Review URLs Carefully

Malvertising often uses slightly altered URLs to mimic legitimate websites. Double-check links before clicking.

Visit Websites Directly

Avoid clicking on ads altogether. Instead, navigate directly to a brand’s official website to verify offers or promotions.

Implement DNS Filtering

A DNS filter can block malicious sites, protecting your business even if an ad is accidentally clicked.

Avoid Logging in After Clicking Ads

Never input login credentials on a site accessed through an ad. Always verify the website’s legitimacy.

Ignore Ad Phone Numbers

Scammers often include fake phone numbers in their ads. If you’re unsure, contact the company using information from their official website.

Don’t Download from Ads

Avoid downloading software or files directly from ads. These downloads often contain malware.

Educate and Alert Your Team

Share information about malvertising with employees, colleagues, and partners. Building a cyber-aware culture helps mitigate risks.

Why Choose Simple IT for Cybersecurity?

As a trusted IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) serving Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, Simple IT specializes in safeguarding businesses against cyber threats like malvertising. We provide comprehensive technology support, including:

  • Business Continuity Planning: Ensure your operations remain unaffected during a cyberattack, safeguard your network with adequate firewall settings, and protect your data with recurring back-ups.

  • Cybersecurity Solutions: Protect your network with advanced tools like anti-malware software, Antivirus, Endpoint Detection & Response, and Email filtering.

  • Regulatory Compliance Support: Stay compliant with industry regulations in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services, as well as Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance for retail locations or ecommerce businesses processing credit card payments.

  • Access Security Solutions: Consider robust access control systems to prevent unauthorized entry into your business, apply ID verifying door access controls at key entry points and Verkada security cameras with alert monitoring which help protect your business in real time if an incident is ocurring.

Take Action Today

How well equipped is your business and staff to handle the growing threat of malvertising? Here are a few questions to consider:

  • Are your devices updated with the latest security patches?

  • Do you have a reliable anti-malware solution?

  • Is DNS filtering implemented across your network?

If you’re unsure, contact Simple IT. Our team of cybersecurity experts is ready to help safeguard your business. Whether you’re in manufacturing, logistics, financial services, healthcare, or something else, we’ll develop a tailored solution to meet your specific business security needs.

Schedule Your Security Assessment

Don’t wait until it’s too late… prevention is always significantly more affordable than remediation! Call or email Simple IT today to chat and see if a consultation could be helpful. We’ll be ready when you are to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses and protect your business from threats like malvertising.

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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.