Malware in Google Ads: Fake OBS, VLC, Notepad++

[pcsecuritychannel]

About the tools and techniques shown in the video: Noobs, don't go deleting random padding in windows files, it will mess up the address locations and cause them to crash, this is a technique for downsizing malware to scan online, don't use it on system files without a clear understanding what you are doing. :)
Edit: Adding this here since some people have posted in our discord after messing things up by doing the above.

[volundrfrey]

This is why I've installed ad blockers on all computers in my family. My mom is smart and fairly tech savvy for someone her age, but she could easily still fall for something like this.

[Felipe_]

2:13 IMO online scanners should give a warning when a file is too large for scanning and instruct the user to scan it with their preferred antivirus/antimalware program

[Nogardtist]

this is really embarrassing for google for allowing this to happen

[TheCocoaDaddy]

Thanks for posting this video!!!! Often times, I'll read comments from people stating if you "simply" stay away from "sketchy" or "questionable" sites, you can protect yourself from malware. Or they will state if you're "careful" in how you navigate the internet, you can protect yourself from malware. This video shows how people who actually DO those suggested things (don't visit "sketchy" sites, etc) can still be exposed to malware. Videos like these are very helpful and useful!!!!

[SECYBERSAFE]

I like that you are very technical and show these things.
The best security channel on YouTube unarguably.

[eainen]

browsing the internet without adblock is best avoided for a whole host of reasons at this point, even if the ads don't bother you personally

[TheUnseenSoldier]

I think Google should be liable of all the damages that’s have been caused by their negligence in allowing false, scammer advertisers use their platform in an official capacity.

[hanzohasashi]

Most anti-virus have an option to scan entire files, but "not recommended" is often written beside it. Not sure why... it's probably performance intensive.

[StrewthSeeker]

This is why I always run an adblocker, and NEVER click on any ad that gets through.

[Nicky_Otto]

I am so glad, plenty of these programs have self updaters, so once installed no more manual download needed.

[elnewbie]

I downloaded OBS from Microsoft store, had to download WinRAR and Notepad++ from Google, I scanned both of them no issues at all.

[Kyosukedono]

This is why I never click on the "sponsored" results. I always scroll down to click on the actual resutl.

[darrenbiby]

The ones that really get novices are searches for popular websites like Facebook and Ebay that can also return ads that point to illegitimate sites. I've even seen searches for 'google' return scam ads which is pretty ridiculous.

[tech.curiosity]

Thanks you so much for sharing such a precious info.

[nihonb]

Thank you for helpful and informative video.

[EnejJohhem]

Google should introduced a premium service and stop showing ads for premium users

[maxpayne.]

I feel for the people who can't or won't use ad blockers on their devices for any reason.

[Mac_Omegaly]

Oh man... My friend downloaded the 7-zip fake one. Because of a Google add about two weeks ago. She factory reset her computer, but I have no idea if that fixes the problem.
I was on a zoom call and watched it happen. Some red flags popped up during the process, as it had been over 10 years since I last installed it, but before I spoke up she opened it up, and agreed to it's agreement without batting an eye.

[DougVandegrift]

Where's the part where you talk about VLC?