New DecryptAds Service Aims to Demystify Adtech Tracking
Free tool scrapes and correlates adtech data to reveal entities tracking users across websites and mobile apps
Key Takeaways
- A new free service called DecryptAds has been launched to reveal adtech tracking entities.
- The platform scrapes and correlates semi-public adtech data to identify trackers across websites and mobile apps.
- The service aims to increase transparency in advertising ecosystems that have traditionally been opaque.
- No exploitation is associated with the service; it is a defensive transparency tool.
- Independent verification of DecryptAds' methodology and data completeness is currently pending.
Quick answers
- What happened?
- Krebs on Security reports on the launch of DecryptAds, a new free service that aggregates semi-public adtech tracking data. The platform correlates this information to help users and researchers identify the entities behind website advertisements and mobile app data collection, offering greater transparency into previously opaque adtech ecosystems.
- Which products are affected?
- DecryptAds
- What should defenders do?
- Users concerned about tracking can utilize services like DecryptAds to identify trackers. Employing ad-blockers, browser privacy settings, and regular review of app permissions are recommended defensive measures.
According to a report by Krebs on Security, a new service named DecryptAds has been launched to address the difficulty of identifying entities responsible for showing ads on websites and harvesting data from mobile applications. The report states that while adtech tracking data is already semi-public, it has traditionally been difficult to parse and remained concentrated within the hands of large advertising platforms. DecryptAds aims to change this by scraping and correlating this data, making it simpler for individuals and researchers to learn about the entities tracking their online activity. The service is accessible via the decryptads platform and is offered free of charge. The report notes that the ability to identify trackers may increase pressure on advertising platforms to improve transparency, though it could also prompt adtech counter-measures. It is emphasized that no exploitation has been reported, as the tool is designed for defensive and transparency purposes. The functionality and data sources of DecryptAds are reported but have not been independently verified.
Security Details
DecryptAds is described as a service that scrapes and correlates existing adtech tracking data. It does not exploit vulnerabilities but rather aggregates information that is semi-public to provide transparency on who is tracking users online.
Affected products
DecryptAds
Mitigation
Users concerned about tracking can utilize services like DecryptAds to identify trackers. Employing ad-blockers, browser privacy settings, and regular review of app permissions are recommended defensive measures.
Sources
Krebs on Security
Who’s Tracking You? Use This New Service to Find Out
Aug 14, 2026 · 11:24
Original link
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