A sponsored ad is a type of online advertisement that appears prominently on websites, especially search engine results pages. These ads are paid for by advertisers to gain visibility and attract clicks, often being placed above or alongside organic search results. In cybersecurity, sponsored ads can be a concern because malicious actors may use them to mimic legitimate content, tricking users into clicking links that lead to phishing sites or malware downloads. Recognizing sponsored ads and understanding their potential risks is important for maintaining online safety and avoiding scams.