News Release: 8/21/2026

SECURITY AWARENESS   /   AUGUST 2026

Online Ads Aren't Always Just Ads
Malvertising, AI-generated content, and hidden advertising relationships are creating new security risks during ordinary web browsing. A new look into the online advertising ecosystem is revealing how much can happen behind the scenes when you visit a website or use an app. New transparency tools are making it easier to see the advertisers, resellers, and data brokers connected to a single site - and why those relationships matter for security.

THE EMERGING RISK: MALVERTISING
Malvertising is the use of online advertising to deliver malicious content or redirect users to phishing and malware sites. The danger is that a harmful ad, pop-up, or redirect can appear inside an otherwise normal browsing experience.

KEY POINT  A familiar-looking page does not guarantee that every ad, pop-up, or redirect on it is trustworthy.

WHY AI-GENERATED SITES MATTER
Low-quality, AI-generated websites can surface in ordinary search results and may look convincing at first glance. They often cover familiar topics such as home improvement, recipes, cars, consumer technology, decorating, and general how-to content. Some of these sites rely on lower-quality advertising partners, creating more opportunities for deceptive ads, fake warnings, phishing pages, or malicious redirects.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO USERS
Websites and apps can interact with many advertising companies and data brokers behind the scenes. Depending on the service, collected information can include location data, device characteristics, browsing activity, and other user information. The more third parties involved, the harder it is for a user to know who is receiving information or where an advertisement originated.

PROTECT YOURSELF WHILE BROWSING
• Think before clicking ads. Avoid software offers, updates, prizes, technical-support messages, and urgent warnings delivered through advertisements.
• Be cautious with unfamiliar search results. A polished design is not proof that a website is legitimate or trustworthy.
• Ignore pop-up security warnings. Do not call phone numbers, download software, or enter credentials because a webpage claims your device is infected.
• Limit unnecessary apps. Install only mobile and smart-device apps you actually need and trust.
• Keep company protections enabled. Do not disable browser, endpoint, DNS, or other security controls intended to protect your device and network.
  Stay alert. Think before you click. Protect your information.

EMD Inc. - Computer Support, Computer Networking, IP Surveillance Solutions - Visalia, Fresno, San Luis Obispo