--- title: The Rise of Malverposting description: In recent years, the internet has become a hub for many activities, ranging from online shopping to social media platforms; it has also become a playground for cyber criminals who are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities to exploit. One issue that can potentially affect hundreds of millions of people is ‘malverposting’. image: https://csacyber.com/hubfs/malverposting.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://csacyber.com/blog/the-rise-of-malverposting#main-content) [![CSA Cyber - Cyber Security Solutions to Protect your People](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Full%20Logo.png?width=300&height=108&name=CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Full%20Logo.png "CSA Cyber - Cyber Security Solutions to Protect your People")](https://csacyber.com/) - Services - [Offensive Security Services](https://csacyber.com/offensive-security-services) - [Penetration Testing](https://csacyber.com/penetration-testing) - [Red Teaming and attack simulations](https://csacyber.com/offensive-security-services#red-teaming) - [Continuous testing](https://csacyber.com/offensive-security-services#continuous-assurance) - [Managed offensive security](https://csacyber.com/offensive-security-services#managed-offensive) - [Consultancy Services](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services) - [Frameworks & assessments](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services/frameworks-and-assessments) - [Data protection](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services#data-protection) - [Virtual leadership](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services#virtual-leadership) - [Technical security consulting](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services#technical-consultancy) - [Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services/governance-risk-and-compliance-services) - [Extended Managed Security Services](https://csacyber.com/extended-managed-security-services) - [Microsoft Sentinel SIEM](https://csacyber.com/extended-managed-security-services#microsoft-sentinel) - [SOC services](https://csacyber.com/extended-managed-security-services#soc-services) - [SentinelOne Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)](https://csacyber.com/extended-managed-security-services#cyber-helpdesk) - [Incident Response Services](https://csacyber.com/incident-response-services) - [Emergency Incident Response](https://csacyber.com/urgent/emergency-incident-response) - [Incident Response Retainer](https://csacyber.com/incident-response-services) - [Cyber Incident Readiness & Response Planning](https://csacyber.com/incident-response-services) - [Tabletop Exercises & Live-Range Engagements](https://csacyber.com/incident-response-services) - [Specialist Security Services](https://csacyber.com/specialist-services) - [AI Security](https://csacyber.com/cyber-services-for-ai) - [Operational Technology (OT)](https://csacyber.com/specialist-services#operational-technology) - [Cyber security for Private Equity](https://csacyber.com/specialist-services#mergers-and-acquisitions) - [Cyber training and education](https://csacyber.com/specialist-services#training-and-education) - [Virtual leadership](https://csacyber.com/specialist-services#leadership) - [Cyber Technologies](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies) - [SentinelOne Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#sentinelone) - [AppGuard Endpoint & Server Zero Trust Protection](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#appguard) - [Qualys Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS)](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#qualys-vmaas) - [Lookout Mobile Device Protection](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#lookout) - [ThreatER DNS Protection](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#threater-dns) - [Cyber Security Awareness & Training platform](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#boxphish) - [About](https://csacyber.com/about-us) - [Careers](https://csacyber.com/careers) - [Certifications](https://csacyber.com/certifications-and-awards) - [Blog](https://csacyber.com/blog) - [Support Centre](https://csacyber.com/support) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://csacyber.com/case-studies) - [Downloads & Reports](https://csacyber.com/downloads-and-reports) - [Webinars](https://csacyber.com/webinars) - [Partners](https://csacyber.com/partners) - [Cyber Bundles (IT MSPs)](https://csacyber.com/cyber-bundles) - [Contact](https://csacyber.com/contact-us) - Search Search Search May 4, 2023 2 min read time # The Rise of Malverposting ![Sohaib Saif](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e) [Written by: Sohaib Saif -](https://csacyber.com/blog/author/sohaib-saif) [Article](https://csacyber.com/blog/tag/article), [Security Operations](https://csacyber.com/blog/tag/security-operations) ![](https://csacyber.com/hubfs/malverposting.jpg) ### Executive Summary In recent years, the internet has become a hub for many activities, ranging from online shopping to social media platforms; it has also become a playground for cyber criminals who are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities to exploit. One issue that can potentially affect hundreds of millions of people is ‘malverposting’. ### What is it and how does it work? Malverposting is a type of cyber crime where hackers use malicious ads to spread malware on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. It works by tricking unsuspecting users into clicking on ads that appear on trusted platforms. Once clicked, malware in the form of malicious executables are downloaded onto the victim’s device without them knowing. The idea behind using ads is to increase the attack surface from which a larger target audience can be reached by abusing the delivery power of social media platforms. ### Vietnamese Threat Actor In April, an international malverposting campaign that has been active for over 3 months was traced to a Vietnamese threat actor. It is estimated this campaign has infected over 500,000 devices worldwide so far. These numbers have been reached by the misuse of Facebook Ads as the mass delivery method. This specific campaign works by creating new business profiles and hijacking genuine well-known accounts that can have millions of followers. The attacker then posts clickbait ads for adult content and free downloads. These ZIP files contain executable files that trigger an infection chain leading to ‘Stealer’ malware being installed on the system. This can gather sensitive information from a system such as account data which is then exfiltrated to Command-and-Control servers. ### Why does this Matter? The information being stolen can be used to make Facebook bot accounts which are then used to post more malicious ads. This can enable a malicious actor to post thousands of ads daily. The user may not suspect they have had their device compromised as they are shown a decoy website once they click the executables which are shown as image files. ### How to Protect Yourself Whilst social media platforms are working hard to try and prevent these issues, they will not always be successful. Social media users should be aware of adverts they are clicking on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Employers should also educate their employees about the risk of using social media on work devices, it should be understood that even if a popular page posts an ad, it does not guarantee it is safe as explained in the aforementioned example. Users should also make use of Antivirus Software that regularly detects malicious files and adblockers to stop accidental clicks to these malicious sites. ### Conclusion Malverposting is a growing cyber security threat that poses a significant risk to individuals and organisations alike. With the rise in online activities, the risk of these attacks is only going to increase. Therefore, it is essential to keep yourself and organisation aware and to also take proactive measures to protect against these risks. ### References [https://labs.guard.io/malverposting-with-over-500k-estimated-infections-facebook-ads-fuel-this-evolving-stealer-54b03d24b349](https://labs.guard.io/malverposting-with-over-500k-estimated-infections-facebook-ads-fuel-this-evolving-stealer-54b03d24b349) [https://thehackernews.com/2023/05/vietnamese-threat-actor-infects-500000.html](https://thehackernews.com/2023/05/vietnamese-threat-actor-infects-500000.html) Related Posts ## You may also like this [Similar Articles](https://csacyber.com/blog) [![](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20230510-N1005919-Edit1.jpg?width=624&height=427&name=20230510-N1005919-Edit1.jpg)](https://csacyber.com/blog/fluidone-group-appoints-charly-davis-as-managing-director-of-csa-cyber-to-advance-its-security-first-strategy) August 24, 2026 2 min read ### [FluidOne Group appoints Charly Davis as Managing Director of CSA Cyber to advance its security-first strategy](https://csacyber.com/blog/fluidone-group-appoints-charly-davis-as-managing-director-of-csa-cyber-to-advance-its-security-first-strategy) Experienced industry leader joins FluidOne to strengthen integrated cyber, IT and secure networking... [![CSA Cyber](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Stacked.png?width=40&height=40&name=CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Stacked.png) CSA Cyber](https://csacyber.com/blog/author/csa-cyber) [![](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design.jpg?width=624&height=427&name=Untitled%20design.jpg)](https://csacyber.com/blog/csa-cyber-and-fluidone-named-as-suppliers-on-g-cloud-15) August 20, 2026 2 min read ### [CSA Cyber and FluidOne named as suppliers on G-Cloud 15](https://csacyber.com/blog/csa-cyber-and-fluidone-named-as-suppliers-on-g-cloud-15) CSA Cyber (CSA), part of the FluidOne Group, has been named as a supplier on Government Commercial... [![CSA Cyber](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Stacked.png?width=40&height=40&name=CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Stacked.png) CSA Cyber](https://csacyber.com/blog/author/csa-cyber) [![](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Engineered%20to%20Endure%20Campaign%20Assets%20(2).png?width=624&height=427&name=Engineered%20to%20Endure%20Campaign%20Assets%20(2).png)](https://csacyber.com/blog/why-organisations-lose-security-visibility-without-realising-it) August 20, 2026 6 min read ### [Why organisations lose security visibility without realising it](https://csacyber.com/blog/why-organisations-lose-security-visibility-without-realising-it) Before an organisation can understand risk, maintain control or respond effectively to emerging... [![CSA Cyber](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Stacked.png?width=40&height=40&name=CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Stacked.png) CSA Cyber](https://csacyber.com/blog/author/csa-cyber) [![CSA Cyber Logo FNL_Full Logo](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Full%20Logo.png?width=3463&height=1248&name=CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Full%20Logo.png "CSA Cyber Logo FNL_Full Logo")](https://csacyber.com/) Established in 2013, Cyber Security Associates Limited trading as CSA Cyber provides cyber consultancy and cyber managed services which help to detect, protect and educate against the ever-changing cyber threat. We have built our team from a foundation of Government (ex-Military) and Commercially experienced specialists all holding current and relevant cyber certifications. Today our core services are based around a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) based in Gloucester. #### News & Resources - [Blog](https://csacyber.com/blog) - [Case Studies](https://csacyber.com/case-studies) - [Downloads & Reports](https://csacyber.com/downloads-and-reports) - [Webinars](https://csacyber.com/webinars) - [Careers](https://csacyber.com/careers) - [Cyber Bundles (IT MSPs)](https://csacyber.com/cyber-bundles) #### Quick Links - [About Us](https://csacyber.com/about-us) - [Certifications](https://csacyber.com/certifications-and-awards) - [Our Parent Company](https://www.fluidone.com) - [Partners](https://csacyber.com/partners) - [Contact Us](https://csacyber.com/contact-us) - [Anti Bribery Policy](https://csacyber.com/hubfs/CSAAnti-BriberyPolicy.pdf) - [Complaints Policy](https://csacyber.com/hubfs/CSAComplaintsPolicy.pdf) - [Corporate Social Responsibility Policy](https://csacyber.com/hubfs/CSACorporateSocialResponsibilityPolicy.pdf) - [Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement](https://csacyber.com/hubfs/CSASlaveryandHumanTraffickingStatement.pdf) - [NCSC CHECK Status Verification](https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/organisation/csa-cyber/check-penetration-testing) - [CREST Approved Certification Verification](https://www.crest-approved.org/member_companies/csa-cyber/) #### Contact Information **United Kingdom - London** Cyber Security Associates Ltd 5 Hatfields, London, SE1 9PG   **United Kingdom - Gloucester** Cyber Security Associates Ltd Unit 11, Wheatstone Court, Waterwells Business Park, GL2 2AQ   **Phone:** [+44(0) 300 303 4691](tel:03003034691) **Email:** [hello@csacyber.com](mailto:hello@csacyber.com)   **United States of America** Cyber Security Associates Inc. 6010 W. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas, 75024   **Phone:** [+1 469 750 1695](tel:14697501695)  **Email:** [hello@csacyber.com](mailto:hello@csacyber.com)   [![trust-pilot](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/trust-pilot.png?width=178&height=104&name=trust-pilot.png)](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/csa.limited)   --- - [Website Terms of Use](https://csacyber.com/website-terms-of-use) - [Website Privacy Policy](https://csacyber.com/privacy-notice) - [Website Cookie Policy](https://csacyber.com/cookie-policy) Copyright 2026. Cyber Security Associates Ltd [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CSALIMITED/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/csa-cyber/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/cybersecurityis) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/@cybersecurityassociateslim) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/cybersecurityassociates) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sohaib Saif", "url" : "https://csacyber.com/blog/author/sohaib-saif" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-06T13:01:59.497Z", "datePublished" : "2023-05-04T04:15:00.000Z", "headline" : "The Rise of Malverposting", "image" : [ "https://csacyber.com/hubfs/malverposting.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://csacyber.com/blog/the-rise-of-malverposting", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://csacyber.com/hubfs/csacyber-logo-black-01.svg" }, "name" : "Cyber Security Associates Ltd" } } ```