thinQmaster Virtual testing partner Adaptive practice exams that find your weak spots and drill them. Every answer explained. From $69
Enroll

thinQmaster

Find your exam

Five questions free, before you decide.

Step 1 · choose a vendor

In one of our camps? Your practice exams come with the tuition — they are on your study page already.

Security Operations · Intermediate

Malvertising

The use of online advertising to deliver malware or redirect users to malicious sites.

Definition

Attackers buy ads on legitimate ad networks that lead to exploit kits, fake software downloads or phishing pages. Search-engine malvertising impersonating popular software downloads has become a common infostealer delivery method. Ad blockers and browser isolation reduce exposure.

Example

A sponsored search result for a popular remote desktop tool leading to a trojanized installer.

Exam tip

Malvertising uses legitimate ad networks, so blocking the host site alone is not sufficient.

Related terms