Introduction
This article discusses a new type of malicious activity spreading through search engine ads, specifically on Google and Bing platforms.
The increasing popularity of search engines has led to the evolution of new malicious techniques aimed at compromising user privacy and security.
Technical Details
This malicious activity involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to inject malicious code into search ads.
Attackers use Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools to gather information about targeted individuals, such as their interests and search history.
They then create personalized ads that appear at the top of search results pages, enticing users to click on them.
The injected code executes in the background, stealing sensitive user data or redirecting them to malicious websites.
OSINT Tools Used
- Crawlers: Attackers use crawlers like Alexa and Moz to gather information about targeted individuals.
- Web scraping tools: Tools like Scrapy and Selenium are used to extract data from websites and social media platforms.
- Data broker APIs: Attackers utilize data broker APIs, such as Datbrokers, to acquire sensitive user information.
Prevention Measures
To prevent falling victim to this malicious activity, users should:
- Use a reputable ad blocker like Adblock Plus.
- Regularly clear browser cookies and cache.
- Enable two-factor authentication on search accounts.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious ads, especially those with unusual or promotional content.
Conclusion
This malicious activity highlights the importance of OSINT tools in modern cyber threats.
As search engines continue to evolve, it is crucial for users and organizations to stay informed about emerging threats and take proactive measures to protect themselves.