What is adware?
4th February 2025
Unwanted software and adware account for 50% of mobile malware deliveries.*
At some point most of us will have been browsing a website and only to be overwhelmed by pop-up ads. It almost becomes a game, as you scramble to hit the cross in the top right corner before you’re played another advert about an app that you’re almost certain is a scam.
Annoying, right? But pop-ups are just one example of adware. While some is legitimate and used to generate revenue for free software, other adware may cause harm to your systems.
Adware is short for ‘advertising supported software’. Usually, this software displays or downloads advertisements on a user’s computer within a web browser. Adware can:
· Display ads: these appear as pop-ups, banners, or within the software interface.
· Track user behaviour: some adware collects data on browsing habits to target ads based on your preferences.
· Slow down systems: excessive ads and tracking can reduce system performance.
· Potentially harm your systems: certain adware can lead to unwanted software being installed or it can expose users to malicious content.
How can you defend against adware?
· Use trusted antivirus software: ensure you have a program installed to detect and remove adware.
· Keep software updated: as vulnerabilities are patched, update to have the best protection.
· Be cautious with downloads: only download software from sources you can trust and don’t download attachments from unknown emails.
· Enable pop-up/ad blockers: the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommend enabling pop-up blocking to reduce the chance of being exposed to harmful content.*2
· Read installation prompts carefully: when installing new software read the user agreement carefully to avoid agreeing to download adware.
Follow this advice to keep your data secure, your system running smoothly and your assets safe from adware. If you would like any further advice from Interfuture Security, then please contact us HERE.
* https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/malware-statistics/