One of the most common threats to a user's online security is Adware. Most people know that malicious programs are widely distributed through fake antivirus programs, but do you know that the most common malicious program is Adware?
Adware allows affiliates to display pop-up ads, banner ads, and other forms of advertising on a user's computer whenever they browse the internet. It is a silent threat that you need to know about, and this article will teach you everything you need to know about it.
What is an Adware?
Adware refers to a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements on your computer or device. Adware has the potential to become malicious and harm your device by slowing it down, hijacking your browser, and installing viruses or Spyware.
If you are a frequent internet user, there is a great chance that you have accidentally installed some adware on your system. Did you ever wonder how this happens? How does Adware gets injected into your computer system?
The Adware usually gets installed on any user system bundled up with legitimate applications and injects affiliate cookies through pop-up ads, auto redirection, push ad notification, or click-jacking.
How Does Adware Gets Injected Into Your System?
Adware and malware come bundled with free software, and the same is distributed across different websites. User's download free software, assuming that it's a regular program, but malicious affiliates bundle up Adwares with the legitimate applications.
When the application is installed, its installer package will also install other components without your permission. Adware is the software that interrupts the user interface while browsing online. Sometimes, it's called an ad-injection tool or a browser hijacker. What does this mean? Adware is a program that displays ads to users to generate web traffic, clicks, and revenue for the creators of Adware. There are two most common ways by which Adware gets downloaded in a user system.
1. Software Applications:
Most of the users get their system infected with Adware through shareware and freeware programs. Affiliates bundle up Adware with legitimate applications, and when users download any of the infected software applications, Adware gets downloaded in the user system.
2. Web Browser Extensions:
Hijacking web is an attack vector that allows an attacker to gain access to a user's computer and take control of it. One of the most common ways of hijacking a browser is by exploiting security vulnerabilities in browser plugins. This allows the attacker to gain access and then silently install malicious code and tools.
Effects of Adware on your system
There is a long list of things that Adware can do to your system. Few are listed below:
· Bombardment of pup-up Advertisements
· Slow speed of the computer system or device
· Changes in the web browser homepage of the user
· Crashing of the user device
· Auto-redirection to a malicious website while using the internet
· Hijacking the click elements on the user screen
· Adding Spyware to steal the user personal information
VPT offers a range of Brand Compliance Monitoring tools based on customized customer requirements and Affiliate Management Services to track and monitor the activities of the publishers in the advertiser's affiliate network.
With our digitized services, protect your brand reputation and give your customer an undisrupted experience. Visit our website www.viruspositive.com or write to us at sales@viruspositive.com.
