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Mac users served info-stealer malware through Google ads | Full-service Poseidon info stealer pushed by "advertiser identity verified by Google." (arstechnica.com)

submitted 4 months ago by ForgottenFlux@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world

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Mac malware that steals passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, and other sensitive data has been spotted circulating through Google ads, making it at least the second time in as many months the widely used ad platform has been abused to infect web surfers.

Like most other large advertising networks, Google Ads regularly serves malicious content that isn’t taken down until third parties have notified the company. Google Ads takes no responsibility for any damage that may result from these oversights. The company said in an email it removes malicious ads once it learns of them and suspends the advertiser and has done so in this case.

People who want to install software advertised online should seek out the official download site rather than relying on the site linked in the ad. They should also be wary of any instructions that direct Mac users to install apps through the right-click method mentioned earlier. The Malwarebytes post provides indicators of compromise people can use to determine if they’ve been targeted.

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[–] teft@lemmy.world 117 points 4 months ago (4 children)

Google Ads takes no responsibility for any damage that may result from these oversights.

I'm not a lawyer but that doesn't seem likely to hold up in court.

[–] beepaboopa@lemmy.world 65 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Yeah... Just because you say you'd prefer to not take responsibility doesn't absoluve you from responsibility.

Unless it does, in which case I will begin committing crimes and saying that constantly.

[–] cygnus@lemmy.ca 20 points 4 months ago

Just buy Google ads before committing crimes and you're all set!

[–] Chozo@fedia.io 15 points 4 months ago

It holds up about as much as those "Not responsible for broken windshields" stickers on the back of dump trucks. Which is to say: not at all.

[–] 100@fedia.io 11 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

yeah adblockers arent going to be turned off if the companies serving them dont bother to even check for malware or phishing

[–] Eggyhead@kbin.run 6 points 4 months ago

We’re just going to put this extra window on your car, and if thieves find a way to use our window to break into your car, it’s not our fault your shit got stolen.