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.

by Kristina Knight

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.