FixableProtecting your accounts
Malvertising & drive-by downloads
Poisoned adverts that attack you simply for loading a page.
Understand it
Criminals buy or corrupt online adverts so that merely loading a page, or clicking a planted result, tries to install malware - at times with no click at all.
How to spot it
Usually silent. Surprise download prompts, fake “update” pop-ups, and search adverts imitating real brands are the warning signs.
Close the gap
- Keep the browser and its plug-ins updated - this alone stops most of it.
- Use a reputable advert and script blocker.
- Scroll past the adverts and click the genuine result beneath.
- Never accept an unexpected “update” or “player” download.
What to do about it
This is part of your plan - Switch on updates and lock your devices. Work through it there and you’ll close this off along with everything else it covers.