Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is an unwanted software application designed to throw advertisements up on your screen, most often within a web browser. Advertising banners are displayed while any program is running. It can be automatically downloaded to your system while browsing any website and can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on the computer screen automatically.
Adware is designed to generate revenue for the attacker by delivering targeted or intrusive advertisements to the infected system.
Adware often enters a user’s device bundled with legitimate software or through deceptive tactics, such as misleading advertisements or fake software updates.
Once installed, it tracks the user’s browsing habits and collects information to deliver tailored advertisements. Adware can display pop-up ads, banners, in-text ads, or redirect the user’s browser to advertising websites.
While adware itself may not be as harmful as other types of malwares, it can significantly disrupt the user experience and compromise privacy. Some adware may also exhibit more intrusive behaviors, such as:
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Browser hijacking: Adware can modify the browser settings, changing the default search engine, homepage, or new tab page. It can force the user to visit specific websites or redirect them to malicious or unwanted destinations.
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Data collection: Adware may track the user’s online activities, including browsing history, search queries, and personal information. This data can be used to create user profiles and deliver targeted advertisements or even sold to third-party advertisers.
- System slowdown: Adware can consume system resources, leading to slow performance, crashes, or freezes.
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Security risks: Some adware may expose the user to additional security risks by serving malicious ads that contain links to malware-infected websites or by delivering fake security alerts to trick the user into installing more harmful software.
