AdSecure recently analyzed millions of real-time scans to identify the most significant shifts in the malvertising landscape. As cybercriminals refine their tactics, it is more important than ever for Publishers and Ad Networks to prioritize brand reputation and user safety.

In this report, we break down the most alarming increases in ad violations. Understanding these threats is the first step toward building a clean and compliant ad supply chain and ensuring a high Google ranking through superior web content performance.

Here are some of the Malvertising trends that saw the largest surges in Q1 2026.

Browser Locker Violations increased by +399.1%

This high-severity violation involves malicious scripts that “lock” a user’s browser, preventing them from closing the tab or navigating away. Often accompanied by fraudulent messages impersonating law enforcement, this tactic is designed to extort users and severely damage user trust.

Auto-Vibrate Violations increased by +122.2%

Commonly used in mobile malvertising, this violation triggers the device’s vibration function without consent. It is typically paired with Scareware tactics to create a false sense of urgency, tricking users into clicking on harmful links.

Malware attempts increased by +97.6%

A direct threat to user security, these ads attempt to install malicious software onto a device. Whether through a ‘drive-by download’ or deceptive prompts, these attacks can lead to data theft and total system compromise.

IAB Standards & Technical Compliance

Maintaining IAB compliance is essential for ensuring your ads load quickly and perform effectively across all devices. Here are all the IAB-related violations that increased in Q1, 2026.

  • IAB Ad Weight recorded a +189.3% increase in Q1: Ads exceeding weight limits slow down page loads and consume excessive user data.

  • IAB Ad Request Count rose by +49.6%: Excessive HTTP requests negatively impact website performance and can lead to SEO penalties.

  • IAB Ad Dimensions increased by +39.9%: Non-standard sizes disrupt layout and reduce the likelihood of conversions.

  • IAB Ad Compression saw a +9.4% jump in Q1 2026: Uncompressed assets lead to “bulky” ads and higher bounce rates.

User Experience & Advisory Alerts

Deteriorating user experience is the fastest way to lose audience loyalty. AdSecure has detected a rise in intrusive behaviors that frustrate visitors.

  • Heavy Ads are up +36.4% compared to the previous period: These ads consume excessive CPU and bandwidth, often leading to Google’s Heavy Ad Intervention, where the ad is blocked entirely.

  • JavaScript Dialog on Entry rose by +30.1%: Intrusive pop-ups that appear immediately upon landing, disrupting the user’s flow.

  • SSL Non-Compliant saw a +20.4% increase: Unsecured resources in the ad chain that trigger browser security warnings and compromise data integrity.

  • Landing Page Errors amassed a +6.5% increase: Broken links or 404s that lead to high abandonment rates and wasted ad spend.

Privacy & Content Risks

  • Video permissions soared to a staggering +111.6% increase: Deceptive requests to access a user’s camera or video functions.

  • Unsafe Content had a +16.6% increase in 2026: Ads featuring explicit material that can lead to immediate brand safety violations and platform bans.

  • Notification permissions increased by +7.7%: Aggressive prompts to enable push notifications, often used later for spam or phishing.

  • Scareware grew by +11.4% in popularity in Q1 2026: Deceptive ads claiming a device is infected to trick users into purchasing ‘repairs’ so they can access personal data like bank card details.

We are seeing a shift in how attackers structure their campaigns. AdSecure’s data shows a notable increase in the number of violations found on a single campaign:

*AdSecure Violations Report: Keep your ad supply chain secure*

This trend suggests that Malvertisers are stacking multiple technical and security violations into a single creative to bypass basic ad security filters.

Protecting your Brand in 2026

Online advertising violations are not going away and continue to become more common and easier to create with AI integration. The surge in these violations highlights the need for a 360-degree ad security system. To protect your ad supply chain from bad actors, it is crucial to automate your verification process.

AdSecure’s industry-leading monitoring tools can help you identify these threats in real-time, allowing you to reject non-compliant creatives before they reach your audience. Don’t let malvertising affect your Google ranking or your bottom line. Ready to safeguard your platform? Contact our team today to safeguard your brand in 2026.