As a computer user you probably have been conditioned to avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails. And since most email servers have spam filters to capture emails that might contain viruses, the number of virus attacks originating through email has decreased. However, in the past two years viruses and malware have spread across the web from different origins. The new problem exists in fake, infected websites with clickable ads such as Google’s own DoubleClick.

Cyber criminals have found a way to sneak past legitimate online advertising networks using ads that link to sites housing malicious software. This is referred to as malvertising. Often a pop-up will appear with a message your computer has been infected and offering a link to download an “anti-virus” software. These ads are sporadic and may appear on completely legitimate corporate websites that rely on advertising for funding. According to a recent report in Infoworld.com by the security firm, MessageLabs, a division of Symantec, “In 2010, nearly 90 percent of web-based attacks started from a legitimate site.”

So how do you protect yourself from malvertising? At GroundForce IT, we recommend a trifecta approach to not only clean your computer of any problems, but also help prevent future attacks:

1. Run an antivirus, anti-malware/spyware software on your PC. If you have fewer than 10 computers to protect in your network you can use Microsoft’s Security Essentials at no cost and it is an effective tool. Otherwise try to avoid free download programs and use corporate level software like Worry Free Business Security from Trend Micro.

2. Utilize some type of Web Content Filtering, like the one from OpenDNS.com to help filter websites and ads to offer your business safer web surfing. When a user clicks to open a website, Open DNS checks the site for legitimacy and blocks it if there appears to be a problem. The best part is this service is that it is free to use.

3. Install an Ad Block add-on through your browser of choice. Most internet browsers, such as Firefox, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome offer free add-ons that will block ads on any commercial site. By wiping websites of ads, the user will not be tempted to click on a possibly dangerous advertisement.

These solutions are easy and when used together will offer you confidence that your computer network is protected from the most recent form of malicious attacks. If you would like assistance with implementing these solutions or others, please let us know. GroundForce IT will work with you to incorporate solutions into your business in a timely and efficient manner.