Do you also hate seeing online ads that constantly show you what you’ve recently searched on Google? If you hate seeing these pesky ads, you’re not alone. Even the CIA and other intelligence departments in the United States are not fond of seeing those in their devices. In fact, they use an ad blocker to keep those online ads at bay. If they’re using one, you should use it too.
Senator Urges Tightened Cybersecurity Policies and Use of Ad Blockers
The call to protect the United States from possible cyberattacks comes from Senator Ron Wyden. The senator addresses the letter to Clare Martorana (Federal Chief Information Officer – Office of Management and Budget), urging Martorana to help protect federal networks from surveillance and hacking done by foreign spies and hackers.
His message stems from the situation that hackers can mask malware through online ads. The senator also says in his letter that anyone viewing the ad doesn’t need to click on it. The malware can attack a device, which can do the following:
- Record conversations
- Steal data
- Wipe out data
Considering that the malware can track people’s location and access data, it’s possible that spies are doing the same tactics to intelligence agencies. In turn, intelligence agencies are finding ways to protect themselves from possible malware.
He emphasizes the 2018 National Security Agency recommendation that organizations should “block potentially malicious, internet-based advertisements” in the same letter. A similar recommendation was brought up by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, pointing to federal agencies, in particular.
But the two intelligence agencies don’t require the use of ad blockers in federal departments. However, these two agencies claim there are “enterprise-wide policies and controls” act as their ad-blocking practices. Other cybersecurity practices include “network-based ad-blocking tech” and Domain Name System information.
Other Federal Departments
One federal agency, in particular, was silent on the matter of ad-blocking, and that was the Office of Direction of National Intelligence. However, the Drug Enforcement Agency shared to Vice that they will not reveal if they have cybersecurity strategies in place. But they have noted the cybersecurity recommendations put forward by the two aforementioned intelligence agencies.
Malvertising and Bidding
This will alarm you, but many hackers participate in malvertising. This allows them to attack someone’s computer by planting a malicious ad on an advertising network. However, these hackers may only do this because they have targets. Still, it can be worrying to know that this is happening. But that’s not the only way online criminals or data brokers can get your data.
There’s this thing called “real-time bidding,” and data brokers participate in this event. Companies bid on an ad placement, and one business gets the coveted prime ad spot. However, those who participated may also obtain data, called bidstream data.
Wyden’s letter to the Office of Budget and Management wasn’t the first time he pointed out potential cybersecurity issues.
He, along with some senators, has written to companies like Google and Twitter. They raise concerns over the ad networks and the potential to use them for surveillance by foreign intelligence agencies. Several tech companies have responded to their letter, and they can confirm that sensitive data is being shared with companies in China, United Arab Emirates, and Russia.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Online Ads?
It can be scary to know that your data can be accessed by anyone, anytime, through online ads. You’re wondering, how can I protect myself?
You can be safe from possible online attacks from online ads by downloading an ad blocker on your browser. Several examples of ad blockers are:
- AdBlock
- Adblock Plus
- uBlock Origin
An alternative to using these ad blockers is to use browsers that have a built-in ad blocker handy. Two of them are Opera and Brave, which you can download for free.
