The FBI recently issued a warning regarding the use of search engine advertisement services by cyber-criminals to defraud the public. This public service announcement, released on December 21, 2022, highlighted how threat actors are leveraging these ad services to impersonate brands and trick users into visiting malicious websites.
According to the FBI, these fraudulent websites are designed to look nearly identical to the official webpages of the businesses they are impersonating. Users are then enticed to download malware or input sensitive information like login credentials and financial data. For instance, a user searching for software to download may unknowingly click on a link that leads to a malicious software download instead.
The FBI specifically mentioned that cyber-criminals are targeting websites related to finances, including cryptocurrency exchange platforms, through these deceptive advertisements. While search engine advertising services are typically used by legitimate businesses to boost their visibility in search results, criminals are exploiting this service by purchasing ads under similar domain names to carry out their malicious activities.
To protect themselves, users are advised to be cautious when clicking on advertised links and to take certain precautions. These include checking URLs for typos before clicking, typing the official website’s URL directly into the browser’s address bar, and using ad-blocking extensions during internet searches.
In addition to these user recommendations, the FBI also provided guidance for businesses to safeguard against domain spoofing. This includes utilizing domain protection services to monitor for similar domain registrations and educating users on how to identify malicious URLs.
Recently, reports have surfaced regarding a fraudulent online ad campaign that utilized Google Ads on adult websites to generate significant revenue for its operators. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by cyber-criminals who exploit search engine advertisement services for illicit gain.
Overall, vigilance and caution are essential when navigating the online landscape, particularly when encountering advertisements that may lead to fraudulent websites. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, users can help protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive practices.