You find a specific software you need online and proceed to download it. However, before you can do that, you must agree to the producer’s terms and conditions. They are written in tiny font that is full of technical terms and downright unreadable. You scroll down to the bottom without reading and click on ‘Agree.’
However, you’re doing so at your own risk. Along with the software, you’re also downloading adware. How harmful is adware, if at all? Once you have downloaded it, it may start bombarding you with pop-ups and collecting your personal information to generate ‘customized’ ads. Whether this is a problem depends on the individual. Some people can live with this moderate annoyance. Others find it begins to bother them after a while. Still, others find it completely unacceptable because they feel it’s an invasion of their privacy. If you’re in one of the last two groups, there’s a list of adware removal apps at the end of this article that may be worth looking into.
Understanding the Adware Model
There have been some studies on adware, including one specific type that comes with legitimate software. Researchers have tested several different adware companies in an effort to understand the adware business model better. The adware was downloaded. Then, the code was taken apart. It emerged that the adware looked at all the information on the computer or device once it had self-installed. Then, it would start creating personalized ads while avoiding security measures.
This kind of activity is quite lucrative because adware providers get money every time their products are downloaded. As measures to ensure safe browsing become stricter, adware companies get better at evading them. The worst kind of adware is the one that doesn’t even give a warning. It is stealthy and silent, finding its way into your system and stealing your data.
To avoid adware, it is recommended to only download your software from the producer or an authorized vendor. As such, it is best to avoid third-party sites. In addition, you should never click on links or pop-ups ads for free things, even if it’s just to close the window.
Is It Really Stealing?
The terms and conditions –that annoying text you skipped – have all the details about the package you’re downloading. The adware isn’t actually stealing anything because you have clicked on “Accept” or “I Agree,” or otherwise gave consent. Therefore, you’ve agreed to download it and now it’s collecting your information. Google is aware of the issues adware causes and is constantly working on tracking down adware companies. However, these companies’ websites rarely indicate who’s actually behind the product.
The Consequences
In sum, we can confirm that adware is harmful. It uses your data and bandwidth, slows down your computer or device, and compromises many of its key features. Moreover, malicious kinds of adware can even steal your contact and credit card information and hijack your browsing history. Many game apps on Android are downloaded with malware,including adware.
You would expect producers to do something about this. However, companies such as lenovo are even selling their devices with adware pre-installed. Experts claim it has made the systems affected vulnerable to hacking and other cyber attacks.
When getting the software installed, you should watch for every box that shows up. Moreover, you should avoid checking any boxes without first reading the prompt. It may contain information about annoying pop-ups that will bother you once the adware takes hold.
Getting Rid of Adware from Android
Cyber criminals know Android leads the mobile market, which is why their phones are being increasingly targeted. If you use an Android phone, it is important to install anti-virus protection. Under “Settings,” you’ll see “Verify Apps.” When downloading anything, it is important to always click on that function. In addition, it is important to remove any suspicious or pirated apps.
How do you know if you have adware on your phone? When your data’ s off, but you still see ads, this indicates the presence of adware. In this case, you can go to “Settings” on your phone and then click on “Apps.” Then, you can examine the list of installed apps and remove any suspicious ones.
In addition, adware removers can help. Some reliable ones include 360 Security, Trust Go Antivirus, Andro Helm Mobile Security, AVG Antivirus Security, Avira Antivirus Security, Bit defender Antivirus, and, of course,AVAST Mobile Security.
