A targeting signal is a data point used to identify or select a device, person, or audience for content delivery. In advertising, signals can include location, device or browser characteristics, and inferred interests. In a cyberattack, similar data may help an operator decide which devices should receive a tailored message or payload.
Targeting is not the same as exploitation or infection. An ad impression or other signal may show that a device was selected or exposed, but it does not prove that a vulnerability was exploited or data was accessed. Defenders can reduce risk by limiting unnecessary ad exposure, keeping browsers and devices patched, and monitoring endpoints for suspicious behavior. Treat targeting indicators as clues to investigate, not proof of compromise.