In this weeks digital news, Cybercriminals are targeting businesses and individuals advertising via Google Ads through phishing scams delivered via fraudulent Google ads. Microsoft Clarity now integrates with Google Ads, allowing advertisers to connect campaign performance with user behaviour.
Google made a change to its systems on January 15th that led to many scrapers and APIs being blocked and subsequently data blackouts in various SEO tools. One change that we are aware of is Google forcing all users, including bots, to enable JavaScript in order to search.
Meta Sunday announced a new video editing app called Edits. After ByteDance’s video editing app CapCut was removed from Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store as part of the TikTok ban. TikTok is restoring service in the US after a brief pause. Following assertions from incoming President Donald Trump that he will not uphold the ban.
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The great Google Ads heist: criminals ransack advertiser accounts via fake Google ads
Cybercriminals are targeting businesses and individuals advertising via Google Ads through phishing scams delivered via fraudulent Google ads. The attackers impersonate Google Ads, directing victims to fake login pages to steal their credentials. These compromised accounts are then resold or used to fund further scams. Despite ongoing reports and takedowns, new fraudulent ads continue to appear.
The phishing scheme leverages Google Sites to host fake login pages, exploiting Google’s domain matching rules to appear legitimate. Victims who enter their credentials have their accounts hijacked, with fraudsters adding new administrators and spending their advertising budgets. The scam is global, involving groups from Brazil, Asia, and possibly Eastern Europe, using different phishing techniques.
These stolen accounts fuel further malware campaigns and scams, while Google continues to profit from the ad spend. Advertisers are urged to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious sponsored links.
Read more here.
Microsoft Clarity launches Google Ads integration
Microsoft Clarity now integrates with Google Ads, allowing advertisers to connect campaign performance with user behaviour. This new feature provides real-time insights into how paid traffic interacts with websites, helping improve ROI by optimising both ad campaigns and landing pages. Key features include direct Google Ads connection, an advertising-focused dashboard, and campaign-specific engagement metrics such as intent tracking. Advertisers can leverage Clarity’s heatmaps and session recordings to gain deeper insights. This integration positions Clarity as a strong competitor in the analytics space, offering a clearer picture of user engagement beyond simple conversion numbers.
Read more here.
Google vs. SEO tools: Why your SEO data might be missing
Google made a change to its systems on January 15th that led to many scrapers and APIs being blocked and subsequently data blackouts in various SEO tools. Data lags were reported by users of tools such as SimilarWeb, Rank Ranger, SE Ranking, ZipTie.dev, AlsoAsked. The change to how Google’s systems handle automated interactions temporarily disrupted rank tracking tools so if you’re seeing fluctuations in your data from last week, we would recommend doing some research into whether your choice of tracking tools were affected by this
Read more here.
Confirmed: Google Is Requiring JavaScript To Block SEO Tools
One change that we are aware of is Google forcing all users, including bots, to enable JavaScript in order to search. Google said that this change allows them “to better protect [their] services and users from bots and evolving forms of abuse and spam”. With the announcement of this change coming two days after the SEO tool data blackout, it seems too coincidental that this hasn’t had any impact, but it may not have been the only change.
Read more here.
Meta announces a new CapCut rival called Edits
Meta Sunday announced a new video editing app called Edits. After ByteDance’s video editing app CapCut was removed from Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store as part of the TikTok ban. Instagram head Adam Mosseri said on Threads that the app will launch next month on iOS. With an Android version following later. He added that the company is working with select creators to gather feedback about the app. Mosseri said the app will have a suite of creative tools. Including a dedicated tab for inspiration, a tab for keeping track of ideas, and a high-quality camera. Plus, it will have the ability to share draft versions of creations with friends or collaborators. He added that creators would be able to see insights on how videos made through Edits are performing on Instagram after publishing.
Read more here.
TikTok restores service in the US after Trump confirms he will delay ban
TikTok is restoring service in the US after a brief pause. Following assertions from incoming President Donald Trump that he will not uphold the ban. The Chinese-owned app’s 170 million US users were met with a message on Saturday evening saying the platform “isn’t available right now”. But that it was “fortunate” Trump had indicated “he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office”. Trump promised on Sunday he will sign an executive order pausing the ban once he is inaugurated on Monday. Giving the app more time to find a new owner.
Read more here.
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