What is adware?

The term “adware” sounds “malware,” but it isn’t always toxic. Learn about how adware works, the legitimate and illegitimate uses, and what to do if your device consumes too much adware to function.

The uses and misuses of adware

Adware is advertiser-supported software. At first glance, this seems fine. What’s the big deal with software that creates ads or is delivered through ads? Adware can have legitimate uses, such as offsetting the cost of offering free software and serving as another platform for companies to reach consumers. The issue is that much of the adware out there today operates without obtaining user consent first, and nefarious hackers have long found seemingly innocent downloads and subsequent pop-ups are great ways to deliver nasty viruses to your devices or even hack into your phone for optimal data-swiping.

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Because there’s so many potential sources of adware, it’s easy to accumulate it quickly and unknowingly. Browse these red flags to figure out if adware has started to pile up on your phone or computer.

You’re bombarded by pop-up ads. This is the classic tell of too much adware. Sometimes the pop-ups even happen when you’re not using the internet.
Your browser’s homepage looks different. Too much adware manipulating the backend can change the way your browser looks. Sometimes adware redirects your searches to a site you didn’t intend to land on, making it clear that something’s off.
Your device or internet connection is slower or crashes often. Adware takes up a lot of space and will eventually affect device performance. The more adware you load, the more it affects surfing speeds. On phones, this might look like increased data usage, faster battery draining, or general slowness for actions or apps.
You suddenly have a new toolbar, browser extension, or app you don’t remember installing. Toolbars and browser extensions are great, but you usually select them with purpose. Be suspicious if an unrecognizable one plants itself on your screens.

“Because there’s so many potential sources of adware, it’s easy to accumulate it quickly and unknowingly.”

How to avoid an adware infection

When addressing adware issues, remember some adware serves a legitimate purpose for you. To cull the unwanted stuff, turn to antivirus software like Microsoft Defender or disable pop-ups on your browser. Additionally, you should restart your phone in safe mode and uninstall malicious-sounding apps.

And of course, prevention is key. Follow these best practices to keep the adware population to a minimum.

Know your downloads. Download from official sites, stores, or companies you trust to reduce the risk of picking up a bad adware bug. Apps carry a little risk but are usually okay because they’re vetted by security software before going live for download.
Watch those details. Are names misspelled? Is that “click here” button really a “click here” button or just a tricky link that takes you to pop-up purgatory? A legitimate ad is vetted by a team of experts, but a malicious one may be created by a single person who is not a language expert. Grammar mistakes can flag malicious intent in many cases.
Constant diligence. From scanning your card statements every month and flagging odd charges or sudden subscriptions, to keeping up with antivirus software and current app and device updates, knowing is half the battle.
Customize software installations. When you’re installing a new app or software, choose the custom installation option, if available, instead of default installation. This option allows you to review and deselect any additional programs that may be bundled into the download.
Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or links. Be wary of clicking on ads or links that appear suspicious. If the ad is offering a free download, making unrealistic promises, or seems too good to be true, you should avoid engaging with it. These false ads can lead to adware and other malware leaking to your device.
Regularly update your operating system. Keep your device’s operating system and installed apps up to date. Software updates usually include bug fixes and security enhancements that can help protect your device against adware infections.

Adware can be a bummer, but learning about what it is and what you can do about it keeps your devices safe from harm, or at least safe from endless spammy popups. Explore other security tips to safely enjoy and use your devices whether you’re connected to the internet or utilizing your device offline.