Many law firms are reporting rising cybersecurity threats, but one form of attack is becoming particularly prevalent and far more deceptive: malvertising.

A growing number of businesses are being exposed to malvertising attacks through seemingly legitimate online advertisements. In many cases, users don’t even need to click on anything for the malware to initiate.

This blog will explore what malvertising is, how to identify its signs, the risks it poses to your organization, and how to build a strong defense, especially with the support of a trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP).

What Is Malvertising?

Malvertising, short for malicious advertising, is the use of online advertising to distribute malware. Cybercriminals inject harmful code into digital ads, which are then displayed on reputable websites via third-party ad networks.

These malicious ads can execute without a user’s interaction, leveraging vulnerabilities in browsers or plugins to launch malware onto a system. Because these ads appear on credible websites, even experienced users may not realize they’ve encountered a threat until the damage is done.

In 2024, researchers detected approximately 800,000 malicious ads, originating from more than 35,000 fraudulent or hijacked social media profiles.

Warning Signs of Malvertising

What are some things to look out for to ensure you don’t fall into a malvertising trap? Here are a few red flags to look out for.

Deals That Are Too Good

If the deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If you see a social post or advertisement boasting a great deal, it is likely a trap.

Lack Of Information

If an advertisement lacks basic contact information, such as a phone number or physical address, it may be a red flag. If something seems suspicious, take a moment to research the source before clicking or engaging further.

Many Errors

Professional brands invest in high-quality design and proofreading. If there are spelling errors or design inconsistencies, that can be a sign of fraudulent advertisement. 

That being said, no matter how alert you are online, some malvertising attacks can slip through. 

How to Identify A Malvertising Attack

Malvertising is designed to blend in, but there are common indicators that may suggest a malicious ad is active on your network or website.

Sudden Pop-Ups

Unexpected or repeated pop-ups during normal browsing activity are a major red flag. While some may appear harmless, they often serve as gateways to malware installation or phishing scams.

Redirects to Unknown Websites

If you are being redirected to unfamiliar or suspicious websites, even after clicking on trusted links, it could be a sign that a malvertising script is active in your environment.

These redirects are often immediate and designed to push users to phishing pages, fake login portals, or malware download sites.

What Are the Risks of Malvertising?

While some forms of digital advertising simply track cookies or user behavior, malvertising takes it a step further, targeting devices, users, and systems with real cyber threats.

Malware Installation

The most common objective of a malvertising campaign is to install malware. This includes ransomware, spyware, remote access trojans (RATs), and other forms of malicious software that compromise system integrity.

In our 2025 Survey Report, 25% of respondents reported experiencing ransomware attacks, an increase from just 14% in 2024. 

Data Theft

Once malware is in place, it can capture sensitive data, including login credentials, personal and business records, financial information, and intellectual property.

The average cost of a data breach increased by 9% last year to $10.22 million.

System Compromise

Malvertising can allow cyber threats to gain administrative access, disable security tools, and create persistent threats within your network. This level of compromise often results in extended downtime, lost revenue, and long-term reputational damage.

How to Prevent Malvertising

Organizations must be proactive when it comes to securing their systems from malvertising attacks. Below are practical steps you can implement to reduce exposure and minimize risk.

Keep Software Updated

Cybercriminals frequently exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated browsers, plugins, and operating systems. Routine updates ensure you close those gaps before they can be leveraged.

A robust patch management strategy and cloud backup solutions, preferably managed by an MSP, should be a key part of your security program.

Train Your Team 

Human error remains one of the leading causes of cybersecurity incidents. Train your team to: 

• Identify the signs of malvertising
• Avoid clicking on unknown ads
• Report suspicious activity 

Education strengthens your cybersecurity with another line of internal defense. For this reason, 72% of respondents to our 2025 Law Firm Survey Report said they will be increasing the training and education of their employees. 

Leverage Tools

While not a substitute for a layered security strategy, enterprise-grade ad blockers can reduce exposure to malvertising sources. Pairing these with real-time anti-malware and threat detection software adds an important line of protection.

Hire an MSP to Help Avoid Malvertising 

Preventing malvertising is not a one-time project; it is an ongoing challenge that requires specialized expertise and constant vigilance.

A managed IT service provider can offer comprehensive protection that goes far beyond ad blockers.

Patch Management

Timely updates are critical. Many malicious ads exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated systems, browsers, and plugins.

An MSP will:

• Continuously track and apply security patches across all endpoints
• Ensure compatibility and minimize operational disruption
• Automate update deployment to eliminate delays or human error

This ensures that your systems remain protected from vulnerabilities that cybercriminals actively target.

Incident Monitoring and Response

MSPs monitor your systems in real time, allowing them to: 

• Identify unusual patterns
• Intercept threats
• Initiate rapid incident response when needed

Should a malvertising-related breach occur, MSPs are equipped to contain the threat, mitigate damage, and restore operations swiftly.

Perform Training

Cyber threats are always evolving, and a one-time training session is not enough. Your MSP should perform quarterly cybersecurity training to help your team recognize threats like malvertising. 

Even with the best tools in place, your team remains a critical line of defense. One misclick on a malicious ad can trigger an infection.

Stay Ahead of the Latest Cyber Threats 

Cyber threats are adapting at an alarming rate. As organizations improve their defenses, cyberattacks evolve too, using AI, social engineering, and even zero-day exploits.

Key areas to focus on include:

• Regular vulnerability assessments
• Multi-layered endpoint protection
• Network segmentation
• Zero-trust architecture
• Email and DNS filtering

To maintain a strong security posture, businesses must adopt a mindset of continuous improvement and proactive defense.

Tabush Is Your Partner In Malvertising Prevention 

Mitigating the risk of malvertising requires more than just tools; it requires expertise, strategy, and vigilance. At Tabush Group, we specialize in delivering enterprise-level cybersecurity solutions as well as supporting businesses with our managed IT services.

Our proactive services help businesses:

• Detect and block malicious ads before they reach your network
• Protect sensitive data and digital infrastructure
• Respond swiftly to threats and minimize downtime
• Train teams on cyber hygiene and awareness

Whether you're looking to strengthen your current cybersecurity or implement a fully managed solution, we are here to support your goals.

Get a complete 360 IT Assessment to see if your business’s IT and staff are prepared for anything. Schedule a meeting to get started.