Your Phone Can Get Hacked Just by Seeing an Ad
Your phone can be infected with spyware simply by loading an online advertisement, without you clicking anything, the National Cyber … Read More The post Your Phone Can Get Hacked Just by Seeing an Ad appeared first on ProPakistani .
A recent warning from the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) claims that malicious software could infiltrate smartphones simply by loading an online advertisement. This technique, termed "AdFection," allows cybercriminals to exploit digital advertising systems to deliver spyware through ads displayed on websites and mobile apps.
Users do not need to click anything for this attack to work. The advisory, based on research published by Citizen Lab on October 15, 2026, highlights that Pakistan was a prime target in ad-based spyware campaigns. Citizen Lab documented instances where devices at Al Jazeera were profiled, targeted, and infected with Candiru spyware through this method.
The attack might involve delivering malicious code via ads, selecting specific devices, and exploiting vulnerabilities in browsers, apps, or operating systems to gain entry. However, National CERT emphasized that merely seeing an advertisement does not imply a device has been targeted or compromised. The potential risks include exposing sensitive personal information, enabling unauthorized surveillance, taking control of the device, and leaking confidential government, corporate, research, or media data.
The extent of damage depends on the exploited vulnerabilities, the device's software version, and the capabilities of the spyware. To mitigate the risk, National CERT advises users to keep their operating systems, browsers, and apps updated, use devices that still receive regular security updates, download apps only from trusted sources, enable multi-factor authentication for important accounts, and consider using ad-blocking and browser-level protections.
Organizations are encouraged to implement additional security measures such as preserving security logs, enhancing device monitoring, and seeking assistance from digital forensics experts in suspected cases. Users can report credible signs of spyware activity or targeted cyber incidents through the National CERT's official incident-reporting mechanism.
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