So you’ve figured out that adware has infected your computer or mobile device. Maybe your browser homepage changed, or maybe you can’t surf the web without being redirected to shady websites every two seconds. Regardless, we’ll tell you how to remove adware so you can go back to fast browsing. Show
How you’ll remove adware will depend on which browser and device type you use. ChromeTo remove adware from Chrome on an Android:
To remove adware from Chrome on Windows:
To remove adware from Chrome on Mac:
To remove adware from Chrome on iOS:
Firefox
Safari
Note: To contact Apple’s technical support over the phone, call 800-275-2273. Internet Explorer
Microsoft Edge
What Is Adware and What Does It Do?Adware is software that displays ads on phones, tablets, and computers. By displaying ads online, it generates revenue for companies. However, unlike legal online advertising, users download adware unknowingly. And not only does it display ads, but some adware collects user data and sells it to third parties to create more targeted ads.2 Signs of AdwareIf only there was a WebMD for electronic devices. How do you know if your device has been infected with adware? Tons of AdsSure, we’re inundated with ads constantly online. But if you’re seeing more ads than usual, especially ads that are hard to close or that keep redirecting you elsewhere, that could be a sign of adware. CrashingAdware may cause your programs to crash or your device to freeze. Slow ComputerEven if your device doesn’t freeze or crash, adware will slow it down, as it takes up a ton of memory space. Websites you frequently visit may not load properly as well. Changes to the HomepageAdware may change your homepage to another page that could install more adware or other types of malware. You may also see unfamiliar extensions, software applications, plug-ins or toolbars. Whom Does Adware Target?Adware targets both individuals and businesses, although individuals are more common. Often, you can spot adware by its promises of new games, amazing deals or too-good-to-be-true movies. But don’t click on these ads, as these deals probably aren’t legitimate. Webroot AppTypes of AdwareAdware comes in a few different forms. Browser HijackersBrowser hijacking adware changes a user’s browser settings, though they’re not aware of it. This could result in a new homepage, a major indication of adware. Legitimate AdwareSome adware offers real deals or even free products, and some users may even be aware that they’re downloading adware.3 However, most of the time, adware is not legitimate or legal, especially if the user isn’t aware that they’re downloading it. PUPs/ PUAsNo, we’re not talking about puppies (we wish!). Adware is a type of PUP, a potentially unwanted program. Another word for PUP is PUA, a potentially unwanted application. But wait, isn’t adware a type of virus? Keep reading to find out. Adware vs. PUPs vs. VirusesContrary to popular belief, adware is not a type of virus, but is a PUP/ PUA. Along with spyware, adware is a common type of PUA. However, just as not all rectangles are squares, but all squares are rectangles, there exists other types of PUAs other than adware. Try saying that five times fast! Avast Antivirus – No Viruses or Malware FoundHow Adware SpreadsAgain, most people don’t download adware onto their devices intentionally. Rather, it typically occurs in one of two ways:
Did You Know: Free software is often referred to as “freeware” or “shareware.”
Who Spreads Adware?Technically, app developers spread malware by agreeing to incorporate adware into their apps. Why would a legitimate developer want to soil their app with adware? Well, the answer is, like many things in life, money. Adware vendors pay developers to include their adware in the apps, as it will generate them revenue eventually.4 You know what they say, money talks! How to Avoid Future Adware InfectionsWhile adware isn’t the worst cyberthreat, you certainly don’t want to welcome it with open arms. The best defense is a good offense. Avoid PhishingPhishing emails and websites mimic legitimate websites to make users give hackers their login credentials. Most antivirus programs have anti-phishing detection, but in general, it’s best to avoid clicking on any unfamiliar texts, links, emails, or attachments. Avoid Pop-UpsSimilarly, don’t click on the pop-up advertisements on your computer, no matter how enticing. Rather, just close the windows and move on with your day. Use AntivirusWe can’t recommend using the best antivirus software enough. From adware to spyware and everything in between, antivirus programs with behavior-based detection can find threats even outside of their databases. Update SoftwareSure, software updates can be time-consuming and tedious, but they often contain patches for security vulnerabilities. Remember when we said that adware can enter your browser through vulnerabilities? That’s why it’s important to perform all software updates as quickly as possible. Don’t JailbreakOnly download apps from the official Google Play or Apple App store. Don’t jailbreak your phone to download apps elsewhere, as these apps are more likely to contain adware or other forms of malware. History of AdwareWith the rise of the internet, adware made its first appearance in 1995. Initially, legitimate companies used adware to display their ads online just as they did in traditional print media. However, when adware companies began buying into operating systems, an illegal practice, most reputable companies changed their tunes.5 While adware reached its peak from 2005 to 2008, after that, trustworthy and legitimate companies turned to legal forms of advertising.6 Latest Adware NewsBut adware didn’t end after 2008. Let’s talk about the state of adware now. Adware StatisticsAdware is an increasingly common threat. In 2019, Windows computers detected adware 24 million times, while Macs detected adware three million times. Plus, from 2019 to 2020, adware increased for both businesses and consumers by 463 percent and 13 percent, respectively.7 In addition, from the third to the fourth quarter of 2020, adware threats increased by 80 percent. Bundled with all forms of PUAs, that makes adware the most widespread form of nonmalicious detections. Moreover, adware makes up:
Adware ExamplesEven if you have antivirus software installed, look out for the following adware:
Is Adware Legal?Although it’s not mentioned specifically by any state or federal legislation that we could find, adware falls under the category of spyware, which is illegal in 20 states, plus Guam and in Puerto Rico.11 On top of that, federal law states that installation of malicious spyware, which could include adware, is punishable by law if it damages 10 or more computers during a year, with losses of over $5,000.12 As far as state legislation goes, that differs state by state, as all state data privacy laws do. But to give an example, California’s California’s Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act specifically prohibits residents from “[causing] computer software to be copied onto the computer of a consumer in this state”.13 In general? Adware is illegal, so don’t even think about creating it to boost your company’s revenue. Turn on Protect Play Android – Google Play MenuConclusionAdware isn’t going anywhere, so if you’re wondering if you still need antivirus, the answer is a resounding yes. Of course, adware isn’t the only threat that your devices face. Learn more about how to protect yourself from ransomware, spyware, and computer worms. FAQsFrom removing adware permanently to finding it on your PC, we’ve got all your adware-related questions answered.
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