Definition
Adware is malicious software that hijacks your browser and displays unsolicited advertisements. Developers use it to make money; they earn revenue for every ad viewed.
Adware is not as harmful as a virus but still poses security risks. Although adware is meant for computers, it can also appear on mobile devices.
How You Might Get Adware
- Download with other files: When you obtain software or files (freeware or shareware) from unofficial sources, they may contain embedded adware that installs on its own.
- Accessing unsafe websites: Some websites contain built-in adware codes that infect your device unknowingly when you click through them.
- Operating system or software vulnerability: Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities on your device to install adware.
How Adware Generates Money
- Pay-per-view (PPV): Each ad is watched.
- Pay per click (PPC): Each time an ad is opened.
- Pay per install (PPI): Each time an embedded software is installed.
Types of Adware
- Legitimate adware: Users agree to ads or data collection for free software created by reputable developers, which is legal.
- Legal deceptive PUAs: These are adware that uses misleading tactics to gain user consent but operate within legal boundaries.
- Legal abusive PUAs: These adware exploits legal loopholes to serve ads and collect excessive data while remaining lawful aggressively.
- Illegal malicious PUAs: This is an adware that violates laws by engaging in unauthorized data collection, system interference or delivering harmful content.
How to Tell If You Have an Adware Infection
Some of the signs to know that your device is infected with adware include:
- The web pages you visit don’t display correctly.
- An unexpected change in your web browser home page.
- Device crashing.
- Slow device performance.
- Overwhelming pop-up ads.
- Redirected internet searches.
- Battery draining faster (phone).
- Unexplained cellular data usage.
How to Protect Yourself from Adware
- Regularly update your operating systems, apps, system drivers, and other software programs to get the latest fixes to threats.
- In the modern digital world, you should be cautious and not curious. Attackers can exploit everything from USB charging stations to impersonating people close to you.
- Always pay attention to what you open or accept, whether it’s a link in an email or a legitimate program installation. Remember that criminals can mimic trusted email addresses, URLs, and social media profiles to catch you off guard.
- Install essential security tools, like antivirus software, to protect your device against such threats.
