Malware Disguised as ChatGPT Spread Through Google Search Ads
· 2d ago · Originally reported by NeoTeo
A malware campaign exploited Google Ads to impersonate ChatGPT, luring users searching for the AI tool to a malicious download. This marks at least a second instance of a fake GPT being distributed via paid search results.
Why it matters
Bad actors are using legitimate ad platforms to spread malware, meaning even clicking a top Google result can be risky. This erodes trust in search advertising and puts everyday users at risk.
Explain it like I’m new here
It's like a scammer putting a fake sign above a real store on the highway so you walk into their shop instead and they steal your wallet.
Terms in this story
Search advertising
Search advertising is placing paid ads alongside search engine results, triggered by the words people search for and usually charged per click.
Campaign
A campaign is an organised set of ads with a shared goal, budget, audience and time period, run across one or more channels and measured against defined KPIs.
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