Tech: adverts blocking threads

11 Jan 18 - 12:06 PM (#3898869)
Subject: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford

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.

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11 Jan 18 - 12:19 PM (#3898876)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Mr Red

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?

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12 Jan 18 - 05:14 AM (#3899010)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford

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

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13 Jan 18 - 04:48 AM (#3899259)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: BobL

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"?

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13 Jan 18 - 06:15 AM (#3899277)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford

No, the advert URL appears.

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13 Jan 18 - 07:07 AM (#3899292)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: DaveRo

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

It might be clickjacking.

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14 Jan 18 - 04:45 AM (#3899497)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford

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

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14 Jan 18 - 04:51 AM (#3899498)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Mr Red

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!

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14 Jan 18 - 05:08 AM (#3899505)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: DaveRo

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.

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15 Jan 18 - 09:43 AM (#3899774)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford

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.

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15 Jan 18 - 10:09 AM (#3899783)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: punkfolkrocker

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..????

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15 Jan 18 - 11:19 AM (#3899791)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: DaveRo

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/

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15 Jan 18 - 12:43 PM (#3899802)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Keith A of Hertford

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.

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15 Jan 18 - 12:49 PM (#3899803)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Stilly River Sage

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.

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15 Jan 18 - 11:25 PM (#3899892)
Subject: RE: Tech: adverts blocking threads
From: Stilly River Sage

Gargoyle isn't using an ad blocker?

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