Malvertising: Ads that turn computers into zombies

Malvertising is malicious software, or malware, hidden in online advertisements.

They can be animated ads or banners or pop-ups. In some cases, the user has to click on the ad to be infected with the malicious software. In other cases, simply having it appear in the browser is enough. To fight this, there are several companies that validate that ads are being seen by humans. They include WhiteOps, ComScore, Integral Ad Science, The Media Trust and Double Verify, among others. Businesses can protect themselves by first making sure that all computers in their networks use one of the major browsers and that the browsers are frequently updated. Installing security software is crucial. While it can't stop malvertising from getting into ads, it can ensure that the malware doesn't infect computers in the company network. Finally, if you buy or sell online ads through an agency, make sure they're accredited.