Adware is a type of malicious software malware that allows developers to send ads to users in an intrusive way. Adware is annoying, but it can also seriously slow down your device and fill it with unwanted and potentially harmful software, as well as stealing your personal details. Something that seems harmless may well end up causing all kinds of problems for you.
There are two ways that users come across adware: downloading it by mistake or picking it up from a malicious website. Unlike other forms of malware, adware is commonly downloaded by the user with another programme. Free software delivered through peer-to-peer file sharing platforms can have adware attached to it, which is then installed and burrows itself in the device along with the legitimate programme. Similarly, some developers have been known to include adware in their open source projects as a way to fund it without realising how damaging it can be to users.
On the other hand, some sites force you to download the adware once you enter the website or click on a page. These download in the background and are incredibly difficult to detect unless antivirus or adware blocker tools are running. Also make sure that you only ever download software from trusted companies and developers, especially when it comes to anything free. These two solutions alone can prevent many adware attacks from successfully infecting your computer.
Are you doing everything you can to protect your computers from adware? All rights reserved. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. However, if you are bombarded with pop-ups, get ads that seem difficult to close, or are redirected to full page ads, then your device may be infected with adware.
Are your programs randomly crashing? Your entire device freezing up? These symptoms are a red flag for adware. It may redirect you to a new page that might then install more adware and possibly other forms of malware on your computer. Adware can slow down your internet connection because it is downloading massive amounts of ads from the internet. A smart strategy for protecting your computers and mobile devices is to install an internet security suite, such as Norton , and keep it up to date on each of your devices tablet, laptop, mobile, desktop and their operating systems.
Be proactive in terms of wisely choosing the websites that you visit. Also, exercise caution when installing new apps. Even then, do a bit of Internet research before you make the final decision to download to understand what access you are allowing the app developer to your device. Never click on pop-up ads. Sure, there are dangers out there in the digital landscape. However, protecting your devices may not be as difficult as you think.
Between installing and running an internet security suite and taking some common-sense precautions, you can help protect your devices against many types of malicious software. All rights reserved. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. Sites that offer unauthorized online sports or movie streaming, as well as games, movies and music and other pirated content also often ask users to install adware.
The more you're moving to things that are not necessarily legal, the higher the chances of encountering adware, Kujawa says. When installing legitimate freeware applications, users should carefully read the installation prompts and deselect third-party advertising components if they don't want them.
These toolbars and other components often come enabled by default so users need to opt out rather than opt in. When installing browser extensions and add-ons from the official repositories, it's best to read the latest user reviews. If they display rogue behavior, someone likely reported it in the comments. Browser extensions in general have a lot of power and access to sensitive data inputted into websites, so consider carefully whether you really need a particular extension.
It's good practice to periodically review the list of installed extensions and remove those you don't need anymore. This can help you avoid security risks if abandoned extensions change ownership and go rogue. Users should be wary of the various prompts for software updates and other warnings that appear while browsing the web and check whether they're from trusted sources, such as locally installed applications. Flash Player, Java and other plug-ins are usually updated automatically as well as most popular applications, so web-based prompts for software updates are typically scam attempts.
The websites you visit have no way of knowing that your computer is infected with malware or that it's running slower and could use some optimization, so ignore such alerts when you see them on the web. They are just meant to trick you into installing adware or malware. As long as there is a way to make money from something, cybercriminals will try to exploit it. Since online advertising drives the web, adware programs and adware attacks will continue to exist for a long time to come.
Lucian Constantin is a senior writer at CSO, covering information security, privacy, and data protection. Here are the latest Insider stories. More Insider Sign Out. Sign In Register. Sign Out Sign In Register. Latest Insider.
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