Adware Report: Microsoft Apologizes for Serving Malware
Oops! Microsoft apologized today for serving banner ads for a well-known malware program.
Banner ads for the malware program, SystemDoctor 2006, recently began appearing on the MSN Groups website. When users clicked on the banner, a popup dialog was displayed asking the user to scan and fix system errors. Once installed, users would then be bombarded with annoying "nag-ups" encouraging them to buy the software.
A Microsoft Australia spokesperson confirmed the malware vendor had slipped through its ad booking processes.
"We have learned that Microsoft was notified of malware that was being served through ads placed in Windows Live Messenger banners. As a result of this notification Microsoft immediately investigated the reports and removed the offending ads, as this is a violation of Microsoft's ad serving policy. Microsoft can confirm that the ads are no longer being served by any Microsoft system.
"Microsoft apologizes for the inconvenience and is reviewing Microsoft's ad approval process to reduce the chance of an occurrence such as this happening again. To help customers protect their PCs from malware threats, Microsoft recommends customers follow our Protect your PC guidance at www.microsoft.com/protect."
Oops! Microsoft apologized today for serving banner ads for a well-known malware program.
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