Adware Definition
Adware, short for advertisement-supported software, is designed to generate revenue for developers by automatically displaying ads, often within web browsers. Originally intended for computers, adware has also spread to mobile devices. Some forms of adware are benign, while others can be highly intrusive and even create vulnerabilities for malware.
What is Adware?
Adware is software that displays unwanted ads on your device, typically through pop-ups or banners. It can reach your device through two main routes:
Bundled Software: Adware often comes packaged with free programs or apps, allowing developers to earn revenue. Sometimes, users unknowingly install adware along with these programs.
Vulnerabilities: Adware can exploit security weaknesses in your system to install itself, often alongside other malware.
How Do You Get Adware?
Adware frequently arrives through freeware or shareware downloaded online. Although software with ads isn’t necessarily illegal, installing adware without user consent crosses legal boundaries, especially when the ads become malicious or invasive.
How Does Adware Work?
Once installed, adware displays ads in hopes you’ll click or view them, generating revenue for its creators through:
– Pay-per-click (PPC) — Payments per ad click
– Pay-per-view (PPV) — Payments per ad view
– Pay-per-install (PPI) — Payments per software installation
Adware can track browsing history to display tailored ads, and some developers may sell this data to third parties. This ranges from being a minor annoyance to posing a serious security risk.
Types of Adware
1. Legitimate Adware: Allows users to consent to ads in exchange for free software and may collect basic marketing information.
2. Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) or Programs (PUPs): Programs that users may not knowingly install, including:
– Legal Deceptive Adware: Tricky but non-malicious, it may make it hard to opt out of ads.
– Legal Abusive Adware: Displays excessive ads, often unrelated to the main software.
– Illegal Malicious Adware: Contains or distributes malicious software, like spyware, and often uses deceptive means to infiltrate devices.
How to Detect Adware
On Computers:
– Unexpected changes to browser home pages
– Overwhelming pop-ups, even outside of browsing
– Slow performance and crashes
– Random toolbars or browser add-ons
On Mobile Devices:
– Slow app load times and rapid battery drain
– Apps you didn’t install appearing on your device
– Higher-than-expected data usage or phone bills
Aggressive adware can integrate deeply into systems, making removal difficult. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent further complications and keep your device secure.
Mobile Adware
Adware frequently targets mobile devices through apps, particularly in popular categories like entertainment and gaming. While some ad-supported apps are harmless, others can act maliciously after installation, displaying persistent ads outside the app, making the source hard to identify.
Types of Mobile Adware:
1. Annoying Ad Spam: Certain apps bombard users with ads at the milder end. This can be irritating, especially if the ads appear across other apps or screens.
2. Ad Fraud and Clicker Software: More harmful adware can operate in the background, silently clicking on ads or even subscribing users to premium services without their knowledge. These apps may download and execute files secretly, draining data and battery.
Removing Adware from Devices
Removing adware can improve device performance and enhance security. Although manual removal is possible, dedicated cybersecurity tools are more effective at locating and removing hidden adware components. Steps to tackle adware include:
1. Adware Removal: Legitimate adware can remain if it operates with user consent, while unwanted adware should be removed if it was installed without your permission or causes unwanted actions.
2. Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs): Some adware bundles may not be strictly malicious but can be intrusive. Removing these can improve device experience.
3. Malware Removal: Any related malware must be eliminated to secure your data and privacy.
Tools like Kaspersky Internet Security offer reliable adware detection and removal features, helping to clean your system of hidden adware components. Be sure to activate your security software’s adware detection settings.
Android Adware Removal Steps:
– Step 1: Start your device in Safe Mode.
– Step 2: Remove malicious admin apps.
– Step 3: Uninstall suspicious apps.
– Step 4: Use antivirus software to remove malware.
– Step 5: Clear pop-up ads and redirects in your browser.
iPhone Adware Prevention iPhones are less susceptible to adware due to iOS’s closed system. However, you can block pop-ups:
– Step 1: Open Chrome on iPhone or iPad.
– Step 2: Go to Settings > Content Settings > Block pop-ups.
– Step 3: Toggle pop-ups off.
Adware Prevention Tips
Preventing adware can save time and hassle. Here are best practices:
– Stay Updated: Always install the latest updates for apps and operating systems to fix vulnerabilities.
– Exercise Caution: Avoid clicking on unknown links, and only download from trusted sources.
– Review Permissions: Examine all terms and checkboxes during installations to avoid unwanted software.
– Read Reviews: Check user feedback before installing any app or extension.
– Monitor Finances: Watch bank statements for unexplained charges, which could indicate adware.
By following these steps, you can reduce your risk of adware infection and protect your data and device security.
