Targeted Ads are a Cybersecurity Risk | Avoid the Hack (avoidthehack!)
avoidthehack.com
About Guides Resources Back Start Here Recommendations Free Privacy Tools Browser Comparison Tool Blocklist Collections Privacy Tools Back Privacy Browsers ...

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/11049489

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the risks associated with targeted ads and malvertising. It offers insights into the different ways malvertising can be carried out and how it can appear on any advertisement on any website, including popular ones. It cites examples of high-profile malvertising cases involving major companies and platforms. The article also highlights the dangers of malicious scripts that can be downloaded without user interaction and discusses the potential risks of scams and phishing.

The article provides clear and actionable advice on how to mitigate these risks, such as blocking ads and associated scripts, using adblocking software like uBlock Origin, and employing DNS resolvers capable of blocking malware and ads.

It also offers guidance on what to do when blocking ads is not possible, emphasizing the importance of avoiding clicking on displayed advertisements and being cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers.

Overall, the article is well-researched, informative, and provides a resource for understanding the risks of targeted ads and malvertising.

  • Murdoc@sh.itjust.works
    1·
    5 months ago

    I hate ads more than anyone, but how are all ads a cybersecurity risk? Like say just a posted image that says “Buy (product X)”?

    • Chais@sh.itjust.works
      2·
      5 months ago

      I’m not saying it was always the case. Back when ads were just images hosted on the same machine as the rest of the page they were only annoying.
      But nowadays even so-called acceptable ads are delivered by third-party servers. So suddenly you have to trust not only the operator of the page you’re visiting but also any advertising partners they use. And since all modern advertising uses a gazillion of metrics that necessitates JavaScript you end up executing code that neither you nor the page operator have any actual need for nor influence on, hoping that the ad network has some sort of vetting process so they don’t end up unwittingly delivering malware.
      That’s a tall order in my opinion.

    • HumanPerson@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      1·
      5 months ago

      Ever downloaded an app off sourceforge without adblock? You or I may not fall for it but in big companies someone will eventually.