Investigating Risks and Safeguarding Communities: Digital Safety and Sponsored Ads 

On December 18, 2024, I had the privilege of presenting to the London Police Economic and Cybercrime Academy on the critical topic of digital safety and sponsored ads. This highly anticipated webinar attracted more than 760 registered participants, underscoring the growing interest in combating digital threats. 

The presentation, titled “Digital Safety and Sponsored Ads: Investigating Risks, Safeguarding Communities,” offered a deep dive into the mechanics, history, and risks associated with digital sponsored ads across platforms such as search engines, online marketplaces, and social media. These ads, while a staple of the digital ecosystem, have increasingly been exploited to facilitate illicit activities, including counterfeiting, fraud, and identity theft. 

Key Highlights of the Session 

Course Goals 

• Analyze the Risks of Digital Sponsored Ads: Attendees explored how digital sponsored ads can be leveraged to promote counterfeit products, illicit drugs, and fraudulent schemes. 
• Develop Research and Investigation Skills: Participants learned to utilize tools like scam trackers, ad transparency libraries, and domain research to analyze and mitigate risks. 
• Empower Communities with Protective Strategies: Practical methods such as ad-blocking, DNS filtering, and the use of alias emails and phone numbers were discussed to equip communities with robust defenses against digital threats. 

Core Content Covered 

• Introduction to Digital Sponsored Ads: Definitions, formats, and the mechanics of interactions provided a foundational understanding. 
• History of Abuse: The session delved into examples of how search engines, online marketplaces, and social media have been exploited for illicit activities. 
• Basic Investigation Walkthrough: Practical steps for researching digital ads were demonstrated, including the use of scam trackers, ad transparency tools, and technology stack analysis. 
• Layered Defenses: Attendees were guided on implementing protective strategies, including ad-blocking, DNS filtering, and security planning. 

Impact and Collaboration 

The live session received an enthusiastic response, with attendees actively participating and asking insightful questions. The live recording will remain accessible to registrants for ongoing reference, ensuring this vital knowledge continues to reach a wider audience beyond the event. Additionally, a public version of the presentation is available for viewing at the link below. 

https://app.screencast.com/UOK4oaz3hShGz

Special thanks go to Detective Constable Weizman Jacobs and Detective Sergeant Joby Reeve for their invaluable efforts in making this event possible. Their collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in addressing the challenges of digital safety. 

Why It Matters 

This webinar was part of the Digital Safety Research Institute’s (DSRI) ongoing commitment to promoting digital safety education and supporting law enforcement entities in their mission to protect communities. As digital threats continue to evolve, initiatives like this ensure that officers are equipped with the tools and knowledge to safeguard individuals and organizations effectively.