{"id":663,"date":"2018-02-16T13:15:34","date_gmt":"2018-02-16T13:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.clickcease.com\/?p=663"},"modified":"2022-11-14T14:16:44","modified_gmt":"2022-11-14T14:16:44","slug":"click-fraud-malware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clickcease.com\/blog\/click-fraud-malware\/","title":{"rendered":"Click Fraud Malware: Protect Yourself or Become an Accomplice"},"content":{"rendered":"

Since you are reading this blog, it\u2019s safe to assume that you\u2019re familiar with click fraud. We\u2019re taking it one step further and talking about click fraud malware. <\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re like most of our readers or clients, you have likely heard about click fraud malware, are fearful of it, and want to learn more. Most importantly, you want to protect yourself in order to avoid becoming a cybercriminal accomplice. <\/span><\/p>\n

Basics of Click Fraud Malware<\/b><\/h2>\n

As you may know, <\/span>click fraud<\/span><\/a> is a tactic that competitors use to run you out of the market. It\u2019s done by a competitor either clicking on your PPC ads over and over again to use up your budget. It can be done by a single person, a bot, or a click farm. Anyone that runs PPC campaigns can become a victim of click fraud. <\/span><\/p>\n

Click fraud malware takes the click fraud game up a notch, and is likely to become an even bigger problem in 2018. Malware is an umbrella term used to refer to forms of harmful or intrusive software. The sole purpose of malware is to damage, disable, or control computers. This is exactly the purpose of click fraud malware \u2013 to control computers for the sole purpose of carrying out click fraud attacks. Even worse, is that the main purpose of the malware is to infect and spread to as many computers as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who\u2019s Behind the Malware<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many forms of click fraud malware exist, and many different groups are to blame. One of the most common ones is called MIUREF. It was discovered in 2013, and affects countries including America, Japan, France, and Australia. Of course, the ones who benefit most from this kind of fraud are ad agencies, as every click they get means more cash in their pockets. Ad agencies have been known to hire cybercriminals to carry out click fraud malware attacks. This kind of business is wrong and risky, as it could cost them their business if they\u2019re caught. <\/span><\/p>\n

How the MIUREF Scam Works <\/b><\/h2>\n

The malware gets sent to people as an attachment in spam emails. When the email gets opened or the specific link get clicked, it installs itself as a browser plugin on the computer. <\/span><\/p>\n

Why does it load as a plugin? Firstly, so that it reloads every time the internet browser is opened to monitor browsing activity. Secondly, to hide itself to avoid getting detected and removed. And thirdly and most importantly, to execute click fraud. When the plugin is called upon, it can form a small army-like attack to click on ads. <\/span><\/p>\n

You may have no idea the malware even exists on your computer, but because it\u2019s happening from your IP address, it\u2019s as if you\u2019re executing the fraud. Aside from using your computer to perform click fraud, MIUREF could also lead you to scam websites, violate your privacy, and steal your information.<\/span><\/p>\n

First Step to Protecting Yourself <\/b><\/h2>\n

The best way to protect yourself from becoming an accomplice to click fraud malware is by staying aware and keeping on your toes. Since the attack get sent through spam emails, it\u2019s important to understand which emails are legitimate, and which are not. Inform yourself of safe email habits, and learn the signs of potential malware. Some things to lookout for include:<\/span><\/p>\n