Attacks & Threats
Malvertising
Also known as: Malicious advertising
Definition
The use of online advertising networks to distribute malware, exploits, or scams via legitimate-looking ads served on trusted websites.
Examples
- A poisoned banner ad on a news site redirects visitors to an exploit kit that drops ransomware.
- A fake "system update" ad lures users into downloading an info-stealer disguised as a browser patch.
Related terms
Drive-by Download
An attack in which malware is silently installed on a victim's device simply by visiting a compromised or malicious website.
Watering Hole Attack
A targeted attack that compromises a website frequently visited by a specific group of users in order to infect them when they browse it.
Phishing
A social-engineering attack in which an attacker impersonates a trusted party to trick a victim into revealing credentials, transferring money, or running malware.
Malware
Any software intentionally designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computers, networks, or data.
Ransomware
Malware that encrypts a victim's data or locks systems and demands payment in exchange for restoring access.
Tech Support Scam
A fraud in which attackers pose as technical support agents from a well-known vendor to convince victims to install remote-access tools, hand over credentials, or pay for fake services.