What is adware?
Adware is a type of malicious software that displays ads on your computer, usually in the form of pop-ups, banners, or even full-screen ads. urlopener will let you open different sites and perform activities on such sites.
Adware can be annoying and intrusive, and in some cases it can track your online activity and cause your personal information (such as your IP address and browsing history) to be shared without your consent.
While most adware is relatively harmless on its own, the ads that appear on your screen can redirect you to malicious websites and infect your computer with other malware or viruses.
How does adware get into your computers?
Adware is usually bundled with other programs such as freeware, browser extensions, or software plug-ins. In other cases, it can be installed without your knowledge through browser exploits or disk downloads.
Common Types of Adware
- At its core, adware works like a browser hijacker. Its sole purpose - displaying ads - is achieved by changing the user's browser settings. Here are some common methods by which adware places unwanted ads on its victims.
- Pop-ups and pop-ups show ads in new windows or tabs, often without even clicking anything.
- In-text ads are hyperlinks to words or phrases in text that, when clicked, will take you to an ad.
- Background ads are similar to banner ads and appear in the background of web pages.
How to know if your devices are infected with adware?
- Pop-ups appear as soon as you connect to the Internet
- Your web browser's home page has mysteriously changed or a new home page tab has been added without your permission.
- New programs are installed on your computer without your permission
- You are unexpectedly redirected to unknown sites while browsing the Internet
- Your computer is running slower than usual.
You can try to remove it yourself. For PC users, go to System Preferences "Add/Remove Programs", find adware and click "Remove"; For Mac users, find the adware in Finder, drag the app to the Trash and empty the Trash.
However, be aware that adware can be difficult to remove and may return if you don't remove it completely. It is often better to use a specialized adware removal tool (more on that below).
1. Update your operating system and software
Adware often exploits vulnerabilities in outdated software.
2. Use an antivirus program
Norton 360, Avast and Malwarebytes are well known antivirus tools with advanced adware detection and removal features.
After removing the adware, be sure to protect your computer by installing an antivirus program and using it regularly.
