Just as Big Tech is falling over itself to convince us we can trust its AI chatbots, malicious ads have begun appearing in Bing Chat results, potentially exposing s to malware and other cybersecurity threats.
In March, Microsoft began including ads in Bing Chat conversations and responses. As could be expected, this move has encouraged bad actors to purchase ments that mislead unsuspecting s into ing malware.
As detailed in a Malwarebytes blog post picked up by Bleeping Computer, Malwarebytes identified ads masquerading as sites for the popular Advanced IP Scanner app used by systems s, as well as MyCase, utilized by legal professionals.
If you asked Bing Chat how to these apps, some of the links offered were ads that lead s to counterfeit websites designed to mimic the genuine Advanced IP Scanner and MyCase pages.
To make matters worse, these promoted ads are not easily identifiable unless you hover over the link, amplifying the chances of s inadvertently clicking on these deceptive "malvertisements."
Given that Bing Chat presents results conversationally, it's understandable that some s might be more inclined to trust its outcomes than a straightforward list of search results with distinctly labeled ads.
Earlier this year, the FBI even advocated for using adblockers to counteract malicious search engine advertising. Nonetheless, it's also advisable to always inspect URLs for any suspicious elements before clicking, which can spare you significant trouble.
