In the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime, scammers are constantly devising new tactics to ensnare unsuspecting victims.
One such insidious scheme that has recently gained traction is the malicious practice of “malvertising.”
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued an urgent Consumer Alert to warn Floridians about this growing threat, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance in the digital realm.
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Malvertising, a portmanteau of “malicious” and “advertising,” refers to the nefarious use of sponsored links and online advertisements to lure users to malware-infested websites.
Cybercriminals have become adept at mimicking the appearance of legitimate, frequently visited pages, effectively masking their malicious intent.
According to a report by Malwarebytes Threat Intelligence, over 800 malvertising-related attacks occurred in the first six months of 2023 alone, averaging nearly five incidents per day. Shockingly, the team suggests that the actual number of unreported attacks is likely much higher.
In her Consumer Alert, Attorney General Ashley Moody minces no words in her condemnation of this emerging cybercrime tactic.
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She states unequivocally, “Cybercriminals are relentless in devising new ways to target victims. We’re warning Floridians about a concerning new cyberscam tactic called malvertising—where fraudsters use sponsored hyperlinks and ads to lure unsuspecting users to click on dangerous links that contain malware, compromising their devices and personal information.”
Malvertising is as simple as it is sinister.
Once an unsuspecting user clicks on a malvertising link, they are redirected to a website that may appear strikingly similar to the intended destination. However, this doppelganger site is, in fact, a conduit for installing malicious software on the user’s device.
This malware can range from spyware and ransomware to viruses capable of stealing sensitive information, such as passwords, financial data, and personal documents.
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Protecting Yourself: Attorney General Moody’s Advice
To safeguard Floridians against the perils of malvertising, Attorney General Moody offers the following essential tips:
- Verify URLs: Before clicking on any links, carefully inspect the URL to ensure it matches the legitimate website’s domain. This can be done by simply hovering over the link to preview the full web address.
- Utilize Reliable Security Software: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on all your devices and keep them updated to the latest versions. This provides an additional layer of protection against malicious threats.
- Scrutinize Site Descriptions: Be wary of any grammatical errors or overly promotional language in the description of a website or advertisement. These can be red flags for potential malvertising scams.
- Exercise Caution: Approach unsolicited emails, pop-up ads, and requests for personal information from unfamiliar sources with a healthy dose of skepticism. These are common vectors for malvertising attacks.
Victims of cybercrimes, including malvertising incidents, are encouraged to report their experiences to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Computer Crime Center. Additionally, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) provides a centralized platform for individuals to file complaints about cybercrime encounters.
Moody’s proactive stance in issuing this Consumer Alert underscores the Florida Attorney General’s Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting the state’s residents from the ever-evolving threats of cybercrime. By arming Floridians with the knowledge and tools to identify and avoid malvertising scams, the office aims to empower the community to become the first line of defense against these insidious attacks.
Victims of cybercrimes should report incidents to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Computer Crime Center.
Anyone who encounters a cybercrime can also file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
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