The Next Ad You Click May Be a Virus 226
Jay notes a Wall Street Journal report about ad networks unintentionally selling empty space to malware loaders (the link is to a syndicating site that doesn't require a subscription to view). The submitter comments: "The labeling of the fake ad sellers as hackers is pretty bogus; there's no hacking involved. Simply sign up for one of these networks, create your fake site, put up another company's creative, and you're good to go." The incidents being reported go back a few months, but the pattern of this criminal activity seems to be coming clear only recently."EWeek.com, a technology news site owned by Ziff Davis Enterprise, in February displayed an ad on its homepage masquerading as a promotion for LaCoste, the shirt maker. The retailer hadn't placed the ad — a hacker had, to direct users to a Web site where harmful programs would be downloaded to their computers, says Stephen Wellman, director of community and content for Ziff Davis."
what ads? (Score:5, Funny)
/strokes adblock
The Next Ad You Click May Be a Virus (Score:5, Funny)
Or it may win you ... A NEW CAR.
Are you prepared to take that risk?
Hmm ... that's not appearing like it should. It's spelt B-L-I-N-K, right?
Re:A virus? How? (Score:4, Funny)
Ads link to malware sites?!? YAWN!
That was quite a loud yawn.
Re:When will this end? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:The Next Ad You Click May Be a Virus (Score:3, Funny)
Oblig Family Guy:
Peter: A BOAT'S A BOAT, but the mystery box could be anything. IT COULD EVEN BE A BOAT. You know how much we wanted one of those.
Re:yes, but... (Score:4, Funny)
Re:what ads? (Score:5, Funny)
No hope for the Web, I guess. Even if I didn't block the ads I'd never click them, and even if I clicked them I'd never buy the products. The Web is going to collapse and it's all my fault. Sob.
Re:We allowed them in (Score:3, Funny)
Re:what ads? (Score:3, Funny)
Ok, ok, there'd be some beneficial effects to it, but overall I think we'd lose more than we gain.
Re:Aren't they all? (Score:3, Funny)
Of course they are. That's why it's called... (Score:1, Funny)
... "viral" marketing! Oh, honey, trust me, I'm not infected. I'll lick your abs if you click my ads!