Today’s Tech Sightings:

Malicious, Large-Scale Google Ad Campaign Slams Users With Malware

Researchers with Dutch security company Fox-IT found that advertisements distributed by Engage Lab, one of Google’s advertising partners in Bulgaria, redirect users to the Web-based Nuclear Exploit Kit. This particular exploit attempts to install malware on users’ computers by targeting vulnerabilities in Adobe Flash Player, Oracle Java and Microsoft Silverlight.

Ozzie the Goose Gets New 3D-Printed Leg

When Ozzie the goose broke his leg, it eventually had to be amputated at the joint, which left the bird struggling. But an animal lover launched an appeal for help on South African radio station RSG. Three tech companies responded and came together to give Ozzie a 3-D-printed prosthetic leg and a new lease on life.

Groups Say YouTube Kids App Pushes ‘Deceptive’ Ads on Children

Google has denied claims by a coalition of U.S. consumer advocacy groups that its YouTube Kids mobile app targets young children with deceptive advertising. The coalition said the app is so full of commercials that it is hard to differentiate entertainment from advertising.

Study: Internet of Things Devices Lack Fundamental Security

Researchers with enterprise security company Veracode, found that Internet of Things (IoT)  household devices they tested are significantly lacking in security and could potentially open the door to exploits, data theft and even stalking. In some cases, IoT devices come with default passwords that are often left unchanged.

Experts Track Personal Data’s Murky Journey Around the Dark Web

What happens to your information when it gets hacked, stolen and abused? Security company Bitglass recently did an experiment to track what happens to data, using fake information. The company deposited the data on a number of file sharing sites and websites frequented by cybercriminals. In 12 days, the data was accessed from five continents and 22 countries.

Mozilla Disables New Firefox Features to Address Critical Security Flaw

Mozilla’s Firefox 37.0 Internet browser was recently patched to fix a critical security bug that broke HTTPS encryption without the user’s knowledge. But as problems persist, Mozilla has disabled the encryption system in version 37.0.1 and will re-enable it in the future.

‘Microsoft Payments’ May Join Apple, Android, Samsung in Pay Platforms

Microsoft recently applied for a “Microsoft Payments” license that would enable it to be a money transmitter in the United States – a move that suggests the company is looking to develop its own mobile payments platform to take on Apple Pay and the upcoming Samsung Pay.