Malvertising Uses Online Ads to Spread Malware and Scams
· 1h ago · Originally reported by PPC Land
Malvertising involves placing malicious ads on ad networks, including search ads, to distribute malware or scams and redirect users without consent. This abuse undermines trust in ad platforms and can impact the quality and safety of search ad placements.
Why it matters
Malvertising directly affects search arbitrage by increasing the risk of invalid traffic and potential feed suspensions, as well as damaging advertiser and user trust in search ad inventory.
Explain it like I’m new here
It's like someone sneaking dangerous flyers into a stack of regular ads, tricking people and making everyone wary of the whole pile.
Terms in this story
Malvertising
Malvertising is the use of online ads to spread malware, scams or forced redirects, so that simply viewing or clicking an ad harms the user.
Redirect
A redirect automatically forwards a browser from one web address to another, often passing through a tracking link that records the click along the way.
Sponsored listing
A sponsored listing is a paid search ad that looks like a search result and charges the advertiser when someone clicks it.
Placement
A placement is the specific website, app, section or screen position where an ad appears.
Go deeper
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