Search BizReport
News by Topic
Marketing
- Advertising
- Search Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Loyalty Marketing
- Mobile Marketing
- Social Marketing
- Viral Marketing
- Trends & Ideas
Beyond Marketing
BizReport : Search Marketing : May 01, 2007
Google pulls phishing ads
A few unsavory ads made it through Google's defense when phishers posted their ads within searches for the Better Business Bureau. Those ads have since been removed from the system, but questions remain about the company's reach.
According to Associated Press reports, the phishing ads were related to queries for the BBB and only affected Windows XP users who had not properly updated their computers. According to the AP, "The attack targeted the top sponsored links tied to Google search results, installing a program on victims' computers to capture private information used to access online accounts for 100 different banks".
"We canceled the affected ads as soon as we were made aware of the problem," the company said in a statement. "Overall, Google is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our users and our advertisers. We actively work to detect and remove sites that serve malware to our users both in our ad network and in our search results."
Still, some are questioning Google's ability to prevent future phishing scams from making it into their advertising program. Because so many advertisers use Google's AdWords and similar platforms, the number of new ads uploaded on a daily basis can be intimidating and impossible to vet. Online privacy advocates are worried that similar attacks could be made with the intent to steal personal information.
Tags: online privacy, paid search, phishing, search marketing
Subscribe to BizReport
Latest Headlines
- Jivox sees strong growth in video for small businesses
- How to target the affluent through social media
- UpSellIt's Chatty Ads Could Increase ROI
- Report: Worldwide UGV revenue to surpass $1.1 billion
- Online newspaper readers consume politics, jobs information
- Survey: Rich Media Ads to reach $2.7 billion Euros
- YouTube introduces buzz targeting
- Online advertising CPMs falling
Featured White Papers:

Extraordinary Customer Service
Is Your Customer a Satisfied Customer? Learn the Best Practices For Improving the Customer Experience. >>

Search Engine Optimization and Pay-Per-Click: A Holistic Approach
Learn how pay-per-click (PPC) and natural search engine optimization (SEO) can work hand in hand to help your business better connect with new customers. >>

12 SEO Campaign Killers
Learn what not to do when launching a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) campaign to attract more visitors, leads and sales. >>

Social Media Marketing: 12 Essential Tips for Success
Learn how to effectively engage customer communities with a new, social marketing mix. >>
Featured Magazines:

Successful Promotions
Shows you how effective imprinted promotional items can be for any kind of campaign. >>

Featured Research
- Search Marketing Benchmark Guide 2008
All new practical, fact-based search marketing data on what works and what doesn’t - essential for search marketing (PPC & SEO) budget planning.