Don’t Click the Ads

 

Don’t click the ads – Might be malware

When I have a question now, whether it’s finding a recipe or doing math, I’m using AI a lot more than doing a good ol’ Google Search. My go-to is ChatGPT, but Perplexity is useful, too. I often ask both AI bots the same question as a way to double-check things. Google Gemini is a big “meh” to me so far.

There are things Google Search works better than AI for — say, finding a software download, a customer service number or your doctor’s website. Keep in mind that cybercriminals and hackers are also using AI to up their game. You might not think twice about clicking a Google Search result, and cybercriminals know that. I don’t want you to become a victim.

Be careful where you click

Google doesn’t vet everyone who buys an ad. Cybercrooks have a long history of hiding nasty malware in Google Ads, and they're getting really good at SEO, driving up their malicious search results to the top.

We’re talking about everything from bogus Amazon ads to fake tech support numbers. Doctors, clinics and hospitals are a major target, too. Yep, you could end up with malware just by searching Google for your doctor’s name so you can grab the address.

Any site with a ton of traffic is risky. Think YouTube, Facebook, Target and Walmart. Those are just a few companies attackers use to get you to click on their malicious results.

How to protect yourself

With more tools than ever at their disposal, scammers are good at writing things that can trick anyone. Outsmart these jerks.

• Don’t click on sponsored links or advertising when Googling something.
• Type all web addresses directly into your browser so you know you’re going to the official or legitimate site.
• Before clicking any link, hover your cursor over it to see where it goes. Does the URL look off? Don’t click it.
• Look for extras in the URL, like “USA” added to the end. For instance, instead of target.com, scammers might send you to targetusa.com. This is an easy way to make a fake version of a site you’d otherwise 

If it’s free, you’re the product

Let’s look at what you hand out when you use that “free” email address from your internet service provider, whether it’s Google, Yahoo, AOL or some other Big Tech company. Remember, all of these are tracked and sold off to the highest bidder:

• Phrases and particular words that appear most in your emails. Think for a moment about some topics in your email right now. These companies make more money off you when they have more data.
• Your location and where your recipients are located, too. Again, it’s just more data points for them to sell!
• Every single person you correspond with — business contacts, friends, family, doctors. Also, how often you exchange emails and what you talk about. Nothing is sacred when it comes to making money.
• The specific time you’re most likely to open your emails, no matter if they’re spam or legit. That’s why the time you get a particular email may change.
• Your website habits get pulled in, too. That includes your shopping, research, dating and even porn-watching habits. Yup, it’s all for sale and tied to your name and IP address.

Simply put, all the data in your email is gathered, tracked, recorded and sold. 

Cyber Ports