Adware - What is adware? Adware Definition

What is Adware?

Adware is a type of malware that is often installed without the user's knowledge or consent. Adware programs are meant to display unwanted ads on a device. Adware programs are not meant to be stealthy as their effects are felt as soon as a device is infected. Once a device gets infected by adware, ads begin popping up as banners on the screen, and not on the usual locations such as within websites and social media posts.

These ads often interrupt normal device usage and are annoying. It is not to say that these ads are usually fake, on the contrary, these ads can carry legitimate messages; however, what is being advertised might not be. Products and services often denied space of legitimate advertising space such as sponsored spaces on social media posts use adware to spread information. Goods such as adult-content sites and products are commonly advertised through adware.

How to protect against adware?

To protect against adware, and other types of malware, practice safe browsing habits such as avoiding clicking on email attachments and visiting unsafe websites. Also, install applications from their official pages and app stores. Illegal applications are often used to spread malware such as adware. It's also essential to keep applications such as OS and other software up to date and use reputable antivirus software.

Remember to regularly back up important data to help mitigate the impact of malware attacks.

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