Tech: adverts blocking threads

Subject: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 11 Jan 18 - 12:06 PM

I click on a thread near the top of the lower section.
Instead of the thread I am linked to the advert running above.
I press return and the thread has changed colour as if I had clicked it, which I had.
This keeps happening.

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Mr Red
Date: 11 Jan 18 - 12:19 PM

Not at Rogue Towers
FireFox 57.0.2, Win 7 - 1440 X 900

Is there a screen/window resolution setting that you are using that affects this?

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 12 Jan 18 - 05:14 AM

I am sure not.
It can be nearly half a screen away.

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: BobL
Date: 13 Jan 18 - 04:48 AM

Keith, when you position the cursor on the thread title, does the URL pop up (at the bottom of the screen in Internet Explorer, don't know about other browsers)? And if so, does it start "https://mudcat.org"?

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 13 Jan 18 - 06:15 AM

No, the advert URL appears.

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: DaveRo
Date: 13 Jan 18 - 07:07 AM

Is it the same advert every time?
If so which one?
What browser?

It might be clickjacking.

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 14 Jan 18 - 04:45 AM

It is a holiday advert that I am getting because of recent searches.

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Mr Red
Date: 14 Jan 18 - 04:51 AM

Thanks DaveRo

I read the Wiki, and it confirms my methodology of never liking Facebook pages from websites, not installing Flash (or any Addon) in FireFox (only in IE because some sites need it just to see anything like the BBC iPlayer!). And am wary of clickbait generally. Especially anything that looks vaguely like even mild porn or money manipulators.

Curiously 2 old versions of Firefox on Mac OS X were specifically mentioned as vulnerabilities for Cursorjacking. That one slipped past the Mac evangelists un-noticed!

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: DaveRo
Date: 14 Jan 18 - 05:08 AM

Keith A of Hertford wrote: It is a holiday advert that I am getting because of recent searches.

So I take it that it's always the sane advert. If so it could be clickjacked. See Malvertising

I also asked what browser. Some are more susceptible. If it's Internet Explorer, what version?

If you draw the cursor down over this sort of Google ad the cursor normally changes shape. You may find the click area extends below (or beside) the advert and covers several links. Sometimes this is just an error rather than malicious. Happens often on one forum I use.

Obvious solution is to block the ad - or all ads.

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 15 Jan 18 - 09:43 AM

The advert is for "Luxury Retreats."
It can usurp the clicked thread even when not on the screen!
Nothing unusual happens when I mover the cursor over the ad.

I think I am using Internet Explorer but not sure which version.

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 15 Jan 18 - 10:09 AM

Keith - are you using a protective adblock tool in your browser...???

and have you installed a free anti malware scanner, eg Malwarebytes and/or SUPERAntiSpyware..????

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: DaveRo
Date: 15 Jan 18 - 11:19 AM

Yes, I think you should scan for malware.

Internet Explorer version 11 is the only version which is updated with security fixes.

If your version of Windows does not support IE11 (and even if it does) then I suggest you use Firefox:
http://getfirefox.com/

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 15 Jan 18 - 12:43 PM

No to all those questions.
I fear I am not very knowledgeable of those things.

For now the ad is not appearing and the problem gone with it.

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 18 - 12:49 PM

Malwarebytes can be used as a free download, update and scan manually, though they offer a week or two of a free trial of an upgraded real-time more robust version (I pay for that one every year - it's well worth $25). Run a scan, see what's in there and let Malwarebytes move it out of the way.

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 15 Jan 18 - 10:07 PM

Just dump your cache and everything else multiple times an hour.o

Do not have an address book saved and do not use Outlook.
Make your own file system. Lazy and ignorant internet users have created a banquet-y'all for feasting.

I still like to go Al Jezzera or other zones before entering Mudcat just to see what pops up in Max's window. It is not as fun as it used to be.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

everything I learned about web paranoia came from Mudcat

Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 18 - 11:25 PM

Gargoyle isn't using an ad blocker?