What does "malvertising" refer to?

The term "malvertising" specifically refers to malicious advertisements designed to infect users' devices with malware. This can occur in various forms, such as pop-up ads, banners, or even legitimate ads on trusted websites that have been compromised. Attackers use these ads to deliver harmful software to unsuspecting users who may click on them or even view them without direct interaction, leading to serious security breaches, data theft, or system damage.

In the context of cybersecurity, understanding malvertising is crucial, as it emphasizes the need for users to remain vigilant even when engaging with seemingly safe and legitimate content online. Malvertising can spread rapidly and affect many users before they even realize their devices are compromised, making it a significant threat in the digital landscape.