Simple clear advice in plain English

Google aims to thwart malware in ads

Google releases tips to fight against malware in online ads

image of google logo
google-logo

Google has revamped its anti-malvertising site, which was launched in February this year, by adding new educational content for all internet users, to address the problem of malicious software being surreptitiously embedded into online adverts.

Some cybercriminals use advertising as a way to distribute trojans, keystroke loggers and other potentially dangerous software. In total, 45857 unique malicious, advertising, and potentially unwanted programs were detected on users' computers in March, according to Kaspersky Security Network.

This supplements the custom search engine that can perform quick background checks on advertisers. Although it is mainly designed for advertising networks to check companies so they can avoid malicious adverts, consumers can use it as well. We ran a check on an advertiser and the results returned were clean.

To get the best results Google recommends people run searches on queries such as the advertiser's name, company name, and any URLs and domains associated with an ad. It also warns that the system is not full proof.

"Search results should not be considered the last word on a prospective customer, but one potential source of helpful information," the company said.

Because of the increasing problem of rogue security software being advertised online Google said people should always research a security product's reputation before downloading it or exposing their system to its scanning functions. The National Cyber Security Alliance maintains a list of free security checks offered by computer security vendors.

Reader Comments

   

Add your comment

All fields must be completed. Your email address will not be displayed or used to send marketing messages.

All messages will be checked by moderators before appearing on the site.

See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Related articles

computer security

Stories about indestructible TDL-4 botnet "alarmist" says Kaspersky

Security company says TDL-4 rootkit is sophisticated and intelligent but can be avoided

microsoft-hq

Microsoft reveals computer cold call scams still a problem

Microsoft has revealed a worrying trend that computer security cold-call scams are leading to wider fraud

The fake anti-virus program Windows Recovery

Spotify users targeted by virus

Malicious software hidden in an advert for fake anti-virus software has infected computers using music streaming service Spotify on Windows

Question & Answer

Q.Why can't my browser find the website address I typed...

> Read the answer

Q.All updates have been downloaded, so why won't Windows...

> Read the answer

Q.How do I stop Windows 7 search?

> Read the answer

Best deals on the web

img

Apple MacBook Pro (MC724LL/A)

£999.99- Buy it now

img

Sony Vaio VPCF23P1E/B

£679.98- Buy it now

img

Samsung 300E5A-A01DX

£449.99- Buy it now

Great benefits for subscribers!

Poll

Which is your preferred web browser

Jargon Buster

Computing terms explained in plain English

Bittorrent

A technology for downloading files. Allows even very large files to be downloaded quickly.

Great shopping deals from Computeractive