- Google Ads are usually safe and only redirect you to shopping websites but this new version can be harmful as per Microsoft.
- According to a new Microsoft security alert, hackers are spreading malware and ransomware via fake websites disguised as Google Ads.
We’ve all seen Google Ads, and clicking on them usually takes you to a shopping website or a product page that Google is selling based on your web activities. However, there is a new type of Google Ads out there that can be dangerous to users and their computers in a different way.
According to a new Microsoft security alert, hackers are spreading malware and ransomware via fake websites disguised as Google Ads.
The most concerning aspect of Royal (DEV-0569) ransomware is that it masquerades as installers and updates for legitimate apps such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Teamviewer, and others.
If that isn’t enough of a concern, Microsoft mentions that if malware downloaders are launched in the system, they can disable security systems such as anti-virus apps, leaving the system vulnerable to further attacks.
Furthermore, the attacker now has SYSTEM rights, which grants them complete access to the system and any data stored on it. More information about Microsoft’s warning can be found in this security threat post.
But thankfully, since the warning comes from Microsoft, it has already taken note of the issue and updated its Microsoft Defender security solution to help it fight such malware and ransomware on Windows devices. The company has also made its Microsoft 365 suite capable of alerting users about such threats and even removing them from the system.
Microsoft has also provided security support via its Edge browser and it says users can enable the ‘network protection’ option to fight such attacks.
