Adware is a type of malicious program that is built and employed to pop-up unsolicited adverts on the computer screen or in the browsers of its targets. Adware spontaneously displays advertisements mostly about weight loss/gain supplements, High ROI investment schemes, Work/Study abroad opportunities, and other inviting adverts all begging a click.
Adware is an unwanted software program embedded within ads that are streamlined to a user's internet search behavior. The intention of the attacker is to get targets to click on the ads and have malicious programs or payloads installing it into their device.
Some of the free software programs or freeware being offered online are another good source of contacting adware. While downloading such programs or files, the adware can noiselessly launch itself alongside the software being downloaded without any notice. Another way of contacting adware is through clicking ads on websites. Some of those paid ads may have been built by threat actors with malicious intent other than the one being displayed.
Adware, like other malware variants, can collect information stored in the system, monitor search behavior, and possibly sell the information to third parties. The adware creates a lot of nuisances by disturbing browsers or the computer screen with annoying and numerous ads and redirections when clicked to malicious websites where people can get scammed.
The major preys of adware are individual internet users other than business organizations and you can spot the presence of adware on your device once you start seeing numerous and unsolicited advertisements popups randomly in your browser or screen. You can also blame it on adware when your clicks or links start to redirect you to other unrelated sites. Other signs of adware can be an improper display of web pages that you visit, low latency in browsing, numerous plugins, file extensions and tabs opening in your browser, automatic installation of software by your operating system, or your device crashes.
The first step towards efficient security precautions is initial backups. Having your files, data, and information stored in a secondary yet safe location like the cloud, or external hard disk, flash drives, or external memories, can save you from all the repercussions of the cyber rainy day.
Another measure to put in place is safe browsing, being cautious of links you click, software or apps you download, and being patient enough to read through the long terms and conditions before clicking ‘agree’. Avoid downloading attachments from unknown emails and messages. Be attentive to the download process to be sure there is no unknown software being downloaded alongside.
Avoid pirate sites, and torrent sites, and do not download files from unknown sources. Scan for adware regularly, update your operating system once there is a new update, and update your software or app, these updates incorporate better security measures to help you play safer and install good anti-malware products.
Hence, if you notice any compromise, you can quickly scan or flash your system or mobile to rid of every unwanted software or malicious programs like adware and those other than adware that is yet to manifest and then restore your files back. When you have your files restored, ensure that you change the password of all the accounts associated with them and learn from your previous experience.