English: How to avoid ads disguised as download buttons:

You think you’ve found the program you’re looking for, so you click the big, green “Download” button. You end up with something completely unrelated. You’ve fallen victim to one of the most annoying things on the web: ads that look like download buttons.

So, why do these exist, and how can you avoid them? Here’s a rundown, on how to spot them and avoid the potential damage that they can do. Many people are asking: why do these ads even exist?  First: these ads rarely link to anything helpful. At best they lead to malware, or toolbars. At worst they’re the first step in a phishing scam. With a little basic training, you can completely avoid the problem of viruses and malware on your computers and mobile devices. Now you can calm down and enjoy the internet!

The question becomes, why does the Internet let them exist? Basically: because they work. Getting people to click on ads is hard work, but deception can be reliable. And, it’s assumed, anyone who falls for such a ploy is probably a good mark for any number of things, from unnecessary software to, you got it, identity theft. This means there are huge potential payouts to anyone who can slip such ads into a page – and if there’s money to be made, scammers will work hard to try to make it. So yes, these ads are a problem – and prey on the less web-savvy among us.

Why do websites allow them? In some cases, it’s because sites can’t find other advertisers. Torrent trackers, for example, aren’t exactly popular with companies looking to sell things – and the same goes for file sharing services. These sites place such ads to pay the bills, and apparently aren’t concerned with what that might mean for their less-savvy users. But sometimes such ads even up on relatively mainstream sites.

And should we allow them? Most people don’t, but they show up anyway. A good number of ads come from Google, but we don’t get to pre-approve what does and doesn’t show up on the site. And there are tons of scammers out there designing such ads, doing everything they can to make sure they get through Google’s filters. The more people report such ads to Google whenever they see them, more keep showing up to take the place of those ads that were removed. Google blocks millions of bad ads every month, and bans the companies that make them from creating more ads. Scammers just keep making them, and finding loopholes, because it’s profitable. It’s an ongoing chess match between website managers, Google and the scammers – and it sometimes feels like it won’t end.

So, this is how to spot fake download ads: Google is trying to fight these ads, and so are website owners. Such ads keep getting through, though, so it’s important to know how to defend yourself.  First: most technology blogs do not offer big “Download” buttons, preferring instead to link to the download page of the company in question. If you see a big “Download” button, it’s probably an ad. Look instead for a text link in the article itself.   Are you still not sure? There are a few other things to look out for.

1. Spot ad boxes: Ads come in a limited number of sizes. There’s the traditional banner, and the square ad you usually see in sidebars. If you see “download” button shaped like an ad, don’t click it. Google’s ads also feature this symbol at the top-right corner: Ad Choices with Arrow and X.

2. Hover over the link: There are exceptions, but actual download links usually point you directly toward the file you’re looking for. If you hover your mouse on such a link, you should see the filename you expect at the bottom of your screen.

If you see “googleadservices.com”, don’t click the button: this is not a valid download link. If you see the filename you’re looking for, however, you are probably fine. But, always check the filename: If the filename you see there doesn’t look like the file you want, or even a link to the site where it might be offered, don’t click the link. What should your download look like? Windows programs are typically .EXE or .ZIP files, and should be named after the program you’re downloading. And Mac programs are typically .DMG or .ZIP files, and should be named after the program you’re downloading. They may also link to the Mac App Store. BUT it’s important to note that Music and video files are never, ever .EXE files. So do not  download an .EXE if you’re looking to or a song or video.

3. Test the button: Still not sure? Go ahead and click the button. If you see a website – or a file download – that’s completely unrelated, pull back. This is not the file you’re looking for, and it’s unlikely you’ll find it by clicking more ads. If you downloaded the file, but still have doubts, use your malware program of choice to run a scan before opening. If you find malware, it’s not the file you were looking for. Then try this: go back to the site, and look for a plain text “download” link.

As always, stay safe !

- Bird.

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