Ad Fraud: Recognize, Prevent, and Protect

In today's digital age, online fraud and cybercrime are rampant issues that affect countless internet users. One of the most pervasive forms of online fraud is ad fraud, which involves various deceptive techniques to scam internet users, leading to financial loss, identity theft, etc.

Ad fraud is a huge problem for anyone who uses the internet, including anyone who is not tech savvy, advertisers, and businesses. Understanding what fraud online is, how it works, and how you can protect yourself is essential in our increasingly connected world.

What is Ad Fraud?

Ad fraud refers to malicious activities in which scammers create deceptive ads to trick users into clicking on them, which then leads to fraudulent websites. These fraudulent websites are designed to steal important personal information, such as login credentials and bank details, ultimately allowing the fraudsters to take money from the users' accounts.

This is a massive problem for victims who are everyday internet users who unknowingly fall into these traps and suffer the consequences of compromised personal information and financial loss.

Types of Ad Fraud

1. Misleading Clicks and Links

   One of the sneakiest ad fraud techniques involves fraudsters creating ads that look legitimate but lead to harmful or scam websites. These ads can appear as everyday, trustworthy promotions, and when users click on them, they might be directed to sites that steal personal information or infect their devices with malware. For example, you might see an ad for a popular product on sale, but clicking it takes you to a fake store that captures your credit card details.

2. Fake Offers and Deals

   Another common type of ad fraud targets users with enticing offers that are too good to be true. These ads often promise incredible discounts or free products but require users to enter personal information or payment details. Once users provide this information, fraudsters can use it for identity theft or financial fraud. A typical scenario involves an ad claiming you've won a high-value prize, but you must pay a small fee to claim it—this fee often results in unauthorised charges on your account.

3. Impersonation Scams

   In impersonation scams, fraudsters create ads that look like they are from well-known companies or brands. These ads can trick users into thinking they are interacting with a reputable entity. The fraudsters might ask for sensitive information, like login credentials or bank details, under the guise of a security check or account verification. This type of ad fraud can be especially damaging as it exploits users' trust in familiar brands.

4. Forced Redirections

   Some fraudulent ads use forced redirections, where clicking on an ad (or sometimes even just viewing a webpage) automatically redirects users to another site without their consent. These sites can be harmful, ranging from phishing sites that steal personal data to sites that automatically download malware onto the user's device. This kind of fraud can disrupt the browsing experience and lead to significant security risks.

5. Fake App Installations

   Mobile ad fraud is a growing concern, and one method is fake app installations. Fraudsters create apps that appear legitimate but are designed to collect user data or push more malicious ads onto the device. These apps might be promoted through ads that promise useful features or exclusive content. Once installed, they can access personal information, track online activity, and serve intrusive ads that are difficult to remove.

How Ad Fraud Occurs?

Ad fraud occurs through a variety of sophisticated methods that exploit technical vulnerabilities and human psychology. Fraudsters use automated bots to mimic human behaviour, creating fake clicks and impressions that are hard to distinguish from genuine activity. They might also employ click farms—large groups of low-paid workers clicking on ads to artificially inflate numbers. Additionally, malicious software can be used to inject ads into web pages or redirect users to unwanted sites. Understanding these tactics is crucial for recognising and avoiding online scams.

What are the consequences of Ad Fraud?

Ad fraud's impact extends far beyond digital advertising; it directly affects internet users by creating a less secure and trustworthy online environment. Users might inadvertently click on fraudulent ads, leading them to malicious websites that could steal personal information or infect their devices with malware.

This can result in financial loss, identity theft, and a general decrease in trust for online platforms. For everyday users, falling victim to ad fraud means potential exposure to cyber scams that can have long-lasting repercussions.

How to detect Ad Fraud?

Detecting ad fraud involves staying vigilant and recognising unusual patterns in your online activity. Be wary of websites that seem to generate too many pop-up ads or redirect you frequently.

Monitoring your click-to-install time (CTIT) for apps can also be a tell-tale sign; if it's unusually low or high, it could indicate fraudulent activity. Use ad blockers and browser extensions to help identify and block suspicious ads. Also, regularly check your browser settings and installed extensions for any changes or additions you did not make.

How to prevent Ad Fraud?

1. Implementing Security Measures

   To prevent ad fraud, start by implementing robust security measures such as using anti-malware software and keeping your system and applications up to date. This helps protect against malicious software that can inject fraudulent ads into your browsing experience.

2. Choosing Reliable Partners

   Make sure you only download apps and software from reputable sources. Avoid websites that offer deals that seem too good to be true, as they might be using fraudulent ads to lure you in. Always read reviews and do your research before installing new software.

3. Regular Audits and Monitoring

   Audit your online activity and settings regularly to ensure nothing unusual has been installed or changed without your knowledge. Monitoring your internet usage and staying alert to any strange behaviour or performance issues can help you catch potential ad fraud early.

4. Educating Staff and Stakeholders

   If you're responsible for a family or organisation, educate everyone involved about the risks of ad fraud and the best practices to avoid it. Teach them to recognise signs of fraudulent ads and the importance of not clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown software.

Role of Cyber Insurance in Ad Fraud Prevention

Cyber insurance is critical in providing a safety net against the financial repercussions of ad fraud and other cyber-crimes. It can help cover the costs of recovering from an attack, including legal fees, data restoration, and even identity theft protection. Investing in a comprehensive cyber insurance plan can mitigate the risks and potential financial damage caused by ad fraud.

Explanation of Cyber Insurance

Cyber insurance is a unique product designed to protect individuals and businesses from internet-based financial risks. These policies typically cover data breaches, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime. For individuals, cyber insurance can provide peace of mind by ensuring that financial and professional support is available in the event of an online attack.

Benefits and Coverage Related to Ad Fraud

When it comes to ad fraud, cyber insurance can offer several key benefits. It can cover the costs associated with loss due to fraudulent activity. It can also provide resources for data recovery and system repairs if your devices are compromised.

Additionally, many policies offer identity theft protection, which can be crucial if your personal information is stolen through a fraudulent ad.

Examples of How Cyber Insurance Can Mitigate Risks

Imagine you've clicked on a fraudulent ad that infected your device with malware, resulting in significant data loss and potential identity theft. With a comprehensive cyber insurance policy, you can get assistance with data recovery, legal fees, and even credit monitoring services to protect against further identity theft.

This kind of support can be invaluable in helping you recover quickly and minimising the long-term impact of the attack.

Conclusion

Ad fraud is a pervasive issue that affects everyone using the internet. By understanding ad fraud, recognising its various forms, and taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the financial and emotional toll of cyber scams. One of the best ways to safeguard yourself is by investing in a comprehensive cyber insurance policy like SBI General's Cyber VaultEdge.

You can get discounts of up to 40%, extensive coverage options, and protection for multiple devices, Cyber VaultEdge offers robust protection against a wide range of cyber risks, including ad fraud. Secure yourself and your family today, and enjoy peace of mind knowing you're protected against the growing threat of cybercrime.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Remote work environments have become commonplace today with many companies offering work from home opportunities. However, cybersecurity concerns are equally prevalent. Investing in cybersecurity insurance is the best approach to tackle the online threats. Additionally, you need to identify the various challenges associated with remote working and take precautionary steps to avoid them. Read on to discover the various cybersecurity challenges in remote work environments and the best practices to overcome them.

Common security risks of remote working

The typical security issues in remote work environments include the following:

• Vulnerable networks

  Employees generally use their home wireless networks to access corporate accounts. But in certain scenarios, when they are on the go, they might connect to public Wi-Fi systems, which are susceptible to cyberattacks. Since many people use public networks it becomes easier for hackers to steal data.

• Cloud misconfigurations

  Most remote workers rely on cloud technology that allows them to access company data from various locations. While the cloud infrastructure is essential, it also poses risks of misconfiguration, which occurs when settings and security measures are set up incorrectly. This essentially makes remote workers vulnerable to cyberthreats.

• Widened attack surface

  One of the most prominent remote work cybersecurity risks is the widened attack surface. As multiple employees use different devices and networks in remote workspaces, the number of entry points for cyber attackers increases. Such an expanded attack surface presents more opportunities for hackers to find weak spots and steal data.

• Increased susceptibility to phishing attacks

  Working from anywhere outside the office premises can attract social engineering scams. These scams are targeted towards individuals distracted by external forces and not directly supervised through individual data security from their companies. Through phishing attacks, scammers send SMS/emails posing as a member of the company.

• Unpatched software

Laptops come with a feature to update software periodically. When employees miss out on running regular updates, the device can become vulnerable to security threats. Moreover, in remote work setups, employees may tend to use their own devices at times to share files or communicate. If the software on those devices is unprotected, it can become a cybersecurity challenge.

• Unencrypted communications

When employees work from the office, the information stored on the network is encrypted. The same goes for company details and documents shared on the cloud. However, while working remotely, employees may sometimes download files on their local device, which may or may not be encrypted. Such communication exposes the data to cyberthreats.

Cybersecurity best practices for remote work

As an organisation, you can implement the following practices to combat remote work privacy concerns and security threats:

• Extend internal VPN

  A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps tackle cybersecurity challenges in remote work setups by providing secure access, encrypted data transmission, and access control. An internally regulated VPN for organisations also helps monitor suspicious activity efficiently. With a VPN, the data remains protected even if employees use public Wi-Fi as the connection is masked.

• Use strong passwords

  Every user account in the workplace should have a unique password specific to every employee. It should be a long password containing complex characters, letters, and numbers. Employees can also use a password manager that helps them use secure passwords for different work-related accounts without having to remember them.

• Strengthen endpoint security

  Security at the endpoint level lets you know where your digital information is stored at all times. You can employ system administrators to enhance endpoint security and build a strong data protection program. Through well-regulated endpoint security, data leakage, malware attacks, and other security threats can be detected at the source and defused before the situation escalates.

• Develop a centralised storage location

  If all the sensitive company data is stored in a single location, it is less likely to get into the wrong hands. Thus, you can develop a centralised system where all the remote workers can store company data, like passwords, documents, and client information. Besides, the centralised location makes it easy to monitor data security through a single terminal.

• Install antivirus on every device

  All the devices circulated among the employees must have trustworthy antivirus software installed. Antivirus is a preventive measure that protects the system from malware, viruses, and other cyberthreats. Antivirus and firewalls not only protect the devices used by remote workers from varied locations but also provide warnings of attacks being attempted.

• Keep work devices updated

  A basic security requirement for devices used by remote workers is regular software updates. When devices are updated periodically, they get the latest patches and security controls from the manufacturer. Thus, the device stays bug-free and is better equipped to detect threats. On a company-wide basis, you can ensure the updates are carried out regularly by conducting periodic check-ups.

• Prioritise email security

  In most workplaces, emails are the main carriers of all the confidential files and communication. Hence, it is important to focus on protecting the emails sent by employees to colleagues, clients, and partners while working remotely. Such security measures include configuring users’ connections, devices, and the data in transit with strong security controls.

• Create a company security policy

  Despite all the other measures you may take, your company cannot fully control how employees use their devices and software. The only way to ensure that all the security measures are implemented successfully is to take all the employees under confidence. On an organisational level, you can create a security policy that all remote workers are obligated to follow.

Stay protected with cybersecurity insurance

While you may measures to tackle all kinds of cybersecurity challenges in remote work areas, you can never truly be prepared for cyberattacks or the impact of cybercrimes on society until you invest in a cyber insurance policy. This policy combines all the measures, while ensuring your peace of mind in the event of cyber threats like phishing scams, malware, ransomware, spyware, and other similar cybercrimes. In case of a cyberattack, your insurance provider offers legal and financial protection against a various cyber-related attack including hacking, data destruction, data extortion, data theft, and more.

FAQs

How does cybersecurity differ for remote work environments and traditional office setups?

Cybersecurity for remote work involves securing various devices and networks outside of the central office. It involves protecting individual devices separately. Contrarily, traditional office setups focus on securing centralised systems within a controlled environment.

What role do employees play in remote work cybersecurity?

Employees play a critical role in remote work cybersecurity. They must enable two-factor authentication, keep their devices updated, and stay cautious of suspicious emails, links, and downloads.

How can employees identify and handle suspicious emails or messages?

To identify and handle suspicious emails or messages, employees should check for spelling errors, generic greetings, and unfamiliar senders.

How does remote work affect the monitoring and detection of cyberthreats?

Remote work makes monitoring and detecting cyber threats more challenging due to dispersed locations and devices. However, companies can use centralised monitoring systems and real-time threat detection tools to overcome the challenges.

How to create cybersecurity awareness among remote workers?

To create cybersecurity awareness among remote workers, companies can hold regular training sessions covering topics like phishing, secure password practices, and device security. You can also send out informative emails, posters, and short videos to reinforce the key concepts.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding.

In the rapidly digitizing world of healthcare, protecting sensitive patient data has become increasingly challenging. The reliance on technology and digital records has exposed the sector to numerous cyber threats, making cybersecurity essential.

The importance of cyber security in healthcare extends beyond data protection; it is crucial for maintaining patient trust, meeting regulatory requirements, and ensuring smooth operations. This article explores the current threats to healthcare cybersecurity, effective protection strategies, and the role of cyber insurance in mitigating potential losses.

Crucial Elements of Cybersecurity in Healthcare

1. Data Protection

   Data protection is the bedrock of cybersecurity and healthcare, involving safeguarding patient information from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyberattacks. Protecting health data helps comply with laws like HIPAA and GDPR, and it reinforces trust between patients and providers.

   Effective strategies for data protection include:

   • Access Controls: Only authorized personnel should have access to patient data. Strict access policies help prevent unauthorized usage.
   • Regular Audits: Conducting routine assessments helps identify and mitigate data vulnerabilities.
   • Patient Empowerment: Giving patients control over their health information strengthens transparency and promotes trust. Secure access to records enables them to review and manage their data responsibly.
2. Risks and Challenges

   Healthcare organizations face a wide range of cybersecurity threats and challenges, including:

   • Cyberattacks: With an uptick in ransomware and phishing incidents, the risk of data breaches is ever-present. These attacks disrupt operations and can endanger patient safety by compromising health records.
   • Outdated Technology: Many healthcare systems operate on outdated software that may lack recent security patches, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
   • Complex Regulations: Navigating healthcare data regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, and emerging local frameworks can be complex. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, increasing the importance of structured cybersecurity protocols.
3. Encryption

   Encryption is a fundamental aspect of protecting patient data by encoding information so only authorized personnel can access it.

   Key encryption practices include:

   • Data Transmission Security: Encrypting data during transfer between systems or networks ensures patient data remains confidential when shared.
   • Compliance with Regulations: Encryption supports compliance with laws protecting Protected Health Information (PHI) by making data unreadable to unauthorized users, reducing breach risks.
   • Enhancing Patient Trust: When healthcare providers, including network hospitals, prioritize encryption, it assures patients that their personal information is secure.
   Cyberattacks Against Medical Devices
   • Increasing Cybersecurity Risks: The growing reliance on interconnected medical devices presents new cybersecurity challenges.
   • High Vulnerability Count: Recent studies have identified nearly a thousand vulnerabilities in medical devices, many of which are critical.
   • Data and Safety Risks: These vulnerabilities put sensitive patient data at risk and, in extreme cases, can directly threaten patient safety.
   • Need for Stronger Security Measures: As more devices are integrated into healthcare systems, stronger cybersecurity protocols are essential to prevent breaches and protect patient well-being.

Also Read: Cybersecurity Vulnerability: Meaning and Types

Common Cyber Threats in Healthcare

Due to its sensitive data and critical services, healthcare is an attractive target for cybercriminals. Some of the most pressing threats include:

1. Phishing: Phishing remains a prevalent threat, often deceiving healthcare workers into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information. Protocols like DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication) can verify email authenticity, reducing phishing risks.
2. Data Breaches: Healthcare breaches are costly, averaging around $10.10 million. These breaches damage reputation and invite regulatory fines, underscoring the need for strong data security.
3. Ransomware: Ransomware attacks, a form of cyber extortion, encrypt essential data, demanding ransom for its release. Such incidents disrupt care, leading to cancelled appointments and delayed services.
4. Malware: Malware, including spyware and viruses, can damage systems and compromise data. Given the interconnectivity of healthcare IT systems, malware poses a severe risk to operational continuity.
5. Insider Threats: Employees or contractors may compromise security—sometimes unintentionally. Educating staff on cybersecurity best practices is essential for minimizing these risks.
6. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): DDoS attacks overwhelm healthcare networks with excessive traffic, causing disruptions and potentially affecting patient outcomes.
7. SQL Injection: This attack method exploits vulnerabilities in applications, granting unauthorized database access, which could lead to large-scale breaches if unprotected.

Importance of Cybersecurity Measures in Healthcare

With the growing adoption of technology,the role of cybersecurity in healthcare has become indispensable in safeguarding sensitive information and preventing financial losses.

1. Safeguarding Private Information

A primary objective of cybersecurity is to protect sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI). Cybersecurity measures that protect this data help avoid identity theft, reputational harm, and costly regulatory fines. In the healthcare industry, where patient trust is paramount, robust security measures are crucial for maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards.

2. Avoiding Financial Losses

The financial implications of cyberattacks can be severe, involving not only direct losses but also the costs of legal processes, regulatory fines, and lost business. To prevent these repercussions, healthcare organizations should invest in strong cybersecurity defences and, where necessary, cyber insurance to mitigate potential financial fallout.

3. Building Patient Trust

Strong cybersecurity practices make patients more likely to trust healthcare organizations. When patients think their data is safe, they are more likely to share private information. Building a reputation for strong cybersecurity can help a business stand out in a crowded market.

4. Compliance with Regulations

Healthcare institutions must comply with a variety of requirements, including HIPAA, which requires the security of electronic personal health information (ePHI). Noncompliance might lead to significant fines and legal consequences. Regular audits and adherence to established cybersecurity procedures assist ensure compliance and secure sensitive data.

Also Read: What Cyber Security Means For Your Business

Cybersecurity Strategies in Healthcare

The following strategies can help healthcare organizations enhance their cybersecurity:

1. Risk Assessment and Management: Regular assessments allow organizations to detect vulnerabilities early, enabling targeted security improvements.
2. Layered Security (Defense in Depth): Employing multiple security layers helps ensure that if one fails, others are in place to protect sensitive information.
3. Access Controls: Limiting data access to only essential personnel minimizes potential exposure.
4. Frequent Updates and Patching: Updating software regularly prevents cybercriminals from exploiting known vulnerabilities.
5. Data Encryption: Encrypting data ensures that, even if accessed, it remains unreadable without a decryption key.

Regulations to Enhance Cybersecurity in the Healthcare Industry

India's healthcare sector is evolving rapidly, adopting digital technologies that demand stringent cybersecurity protocols. Although no regulation is directly comparable to HIPAA, Indian organizations can voluntarily align with HIPAA and GDPR standards for best practices. For instance:

• HIPAA Compliance: Adhering to HIPAA standards enhances data privacy for healthcare providers dealing with U.S. entities.
• GDPR Alignment: Aligning with GDPR ensures transparency and consent in data handling, particularly for organizations interacting with EU citizens.
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): Indian healthcare providers working with California residents must follow CCPA, emphasizing transparency and data rights.

Why Cyber Insurance?

Cyber insuranceis another strategic asset for Indian healthcare organizations.

• Essential Protection: In the face of growing cybercrime, cyber insurance offers Indian healthcare organizations essential financial protection.
• Cost Coverage: It covers expenses related to breaches, including data recovery, legal fees, and interruptions.
• Encourages Proactive Security: By promoting strict cybersecurity standards, cyber insurance fosters a proactive culture of data protection.

Related Blog: Cyber Insurance: What Does It Cover?

Conclusion

With healthcare increasingly dependent on digital solutions, cybersecurity in healthcare is essential to protect patient data, ensure compliance, and maintain trust. Implementing robust strategies like encryption and access controls helps reduce vulnerabilities, while cyber insurance offers critical financial protection against cyber threats. For healthcare providers, SBI General Insurance offers specialized coverage, supporting a secure and resilient healthcare ecosystem prepared for today’s cyber challenges.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Today, the internet has transformed the way we shop. From buying groceries to high-end computers, the internet enables all sorts of purchases and transactions. However, the financial data these online shopping websites or applications possess is a goldmine for cyber attackers. If you prefer shopping online from the comfort of your home, here are a few online shopping dos and don’ts you ought to know.

Online Shopping: Dos

Consider these online shopping tips to reduce the risk of cyber threats.

• Verify the website

Ensure the online shopping website is legitimate. Hackers are known to create fake websites to steal your data. If your computer signals that a particular website is unsafe, it is best to avoid that website altogether.

• Provide required information only

While completing the online shopping steps, you only need to provide your name, address, and contact number and choose your preferred payment mode – online or cash on delivery. Besides these details, you need not provide any other information, especially your bank account details or other financial data.

• Choose credit card payments

One of the essential online shopping dos is to opt for payment via credit card. Since you pay a cumulative bill at the end of the billing cycle, you can report potential fraudulent transactions, which the creditor may reverse upon investigation.

• Check account statements regularly

You must track your account statements frequently, check for suspicious transactions and report them to your bank or card issuer. The sooner you report, the higher your chances of getting your money back.

Online Shopping: Don’ts

Avoid doing the following things when you shop online:

• Transferring money to bank accounts

If the online seller asks you to wire the money to their account, avoid the transaction altogether. You may not receive your product after the seller has taken your money.

• Using public networks

An important online shopping step is to avoid public networks. Cybercriminals can position themselves between you and the public network. You could inadvertently end up sending information to the hacker without realising your actions.

• Clicking on suspicious links

Hackers use a technique known as phishing to send fake emails about discounts, lotteries, and free gifts. These emails may contain malicious links designed to manipulate you to share your financial details. Avoid clicking on any unknown links to safeguard your financial information.

• Refreshing payment reconfirmation pages

After completing the online payment, you may have noticed that the payment confirmation page takes time to load. A vital online shopping step is to avoid refreshing the page, as it can lead to multiple charges.

Online Shopping and The Role of Cyber Insurance

While online shopping seems like an unparalleled convenience in this fast-paced world, it is not free of dangers. A single cybercrime can deplete your personal or business accounts within seconds, which is why you must always be alert while conducting online transactions. Investing in anti-virus software and cyber insurance proves beneficial. While the former helps screen deceitful websites, the latter safeguards you against any financial losses incurred due to cybercrimes like malware, cyber extortion, phishing, ransomware, and more.

Secure your finances by investing in cyber insurance today.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.