Are you being hit by a lot of ads when you start browsing web?
Is your computer showing a slow pace in working or shutting down?
If yes, there are chances that your system is affected by adware!
What is an Adware?
Advertising supported malware or adware is a type of malware that displays advertisement on your device. The adware virus is usually considered as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) which means it does not seek the permission of the user when the program starts installing in your device.
This program hinders your web browsing experience by displaying excessive amount of advertisements, banners, flashing pop-up windows, auto play commercial videos and in-text links.
The purpose of adware is to generate income for its developers by showing ads.
Types
An adware can hit you in 2 ways. One occurs as a result of a downloaded program and the other due to browser hijacking.
- Adware from downloaded program
When you tend to download a shareware or freeware, many a times, adwares are included in them. These free programs use adwares for fund development and distribution.
This kind of adware does not have a malicious purpose but to annoy the user.
Adwares are often demented with spywares. Spyware is totally a separate program but works in a similar way as adware. It is mostly downloaded unknowingly and keeps the record of your internet surfing sites in order to serve the ads related to it.
- Onsite adware
Also known as browser hijacking works when the user visits an infected website and leads to the installation of adware. Then after that, you are bombarded with ads.
When you think that these are coming from the site, they are actually from the adware that is infected to your device.
What does an adware actually do?
We are so familiar to the ads and pop-ups while browsing any website that it makes us a bit confused that if the device has adware or it’s just the on-site advertisement.
Signs you are infected:
- Homepage of the web browser changes without permission.
- Advertisement shows up in unwanted places.
- Websites that you often visit doesn’t display the same way before.
- Some websites redirects you to unwanted web pages.
- Browser is extremely slow.
- New extensions, toolbars or plugins appear without the user’s permission.
- Unwanted softwares automatically start installing.
- Browser starts to crash repeatedly.
- Hype in the usage of data.
How dangerous are adware
Rather than being dangerous, adwares are annoying. While browsing pop-ups, constant banners and in-text ads appear subsequently. Random tabs and windows appear unexpectedly. There are chances of system to crash completely.
In some cases, adware can collect your data. Here, the developers can sell your data, which contains browsing history, search queries, IP addresses and web pages visited.
How to prevent adware
In order to prevent adware from taking up your system, you must stay cautious of the websites you visit. Even a genuine looking website can be a compromised one. You should be very attentive while downloading a freeware or spyware. Download these programs only from a trusted source.
While browsing, avoid clicking on to advertisements or notices. One of the popular notices that pop up says, your PC is infected and an antivirus needs to be installed. This is the most popular scam where many users fall for.
Always keep your operating system up to date. Operating systems are prone to attacks as they are more vulnerable. Hackers exploit this weakness.
There are safety settings in your device that helps to prevent adware from infecting. Enable those settings to protect your system. One of that includes blocking the pop-up ads.
Scan each file that you have downloaded with an effective anti-virus software.