Adware

Adware is a form of software that is installed on a computer to display advertising. This advertising can appear in the form of pop-ups, banners or redirects to advertising sites. While some adware programs are harmless and simply display advertisements, malicious adware can also be used to spy on user activity, track browser histories and share the collected data with third parties. Adware is often bundled and installed with other free software programs.

What is adware?

Adware (short for advertising software) is a type of software that displays advertisements on your device. It is often installed without the user’s knowledge and can either appear legitimately by funding free programs or as malicious software. In its more harmless form, adware simply displays banner ads or pop-ups. At its worst, however, it can also collect data about your browsing habits to target personalized ads or even steal sensitive information. It is important to distinguish that adware is not necessarily malicious, but it is often perceived as very annoying and invasive.

How does adware get onto my computer or smartphone?

Adware often gets onto your device through so-called bundle downloads. This means that it is offered together with legitimate software – particularly often in the case of free programs or apps. These additional programs are often installed automatically if the user does not check the installation carefully enough. Adware can also be distributed through malicious websites that trick the user into clicking on fraudulent links. Adware infections can also be caused by email attachments or infected advertising (so-called malvertising).

Is adware dangerous?

Adware is not dangerous per se, but it can slow down your device, significantly affect the user experience and, in the worst case, open security vulnerabilities. There are two main types of adware:

• Legitimate adware: This form is often used by companies to finance their free software. Here, the software is transparent about the use of advertising, and users can often choose to disable it or uninstall the software.
• Malicious adware: This type of adware can be dangerous because it not only displays advertisements, but also collects personal data about surfing behavior, search queries and sometimes even passwords. This information can be sold to third parties or used for targeted attacks. It can also bring other malware onto your system.

How do I know if my computer is infected with adware?

There are several signs that your device may be infected with adware:

• Unexpected pop-up ads: Suddenly appearing ads, especially on websites that normally have no ads.
• Changed start page or search engine: If your start page or default search engine has been changed without your consent, adware could be responsible.
• Slow performance: If your device suddenly slows down, adware may be consuming resources in the background.
• New or unknown toolbars in your browser: Some adware installs browser extensions or toolbars that display additional ads or manipulate your search results.
• Unwanted redirects: If you try to access a website but are redirected to another advertising site instead, this is a strong sign of adware.

How can I remove adware?

Adware can often be removed by following simple steps:

• Manual removal: In some cases, you can remove adware manually by uninstalling the program in the “Programs and Features” settings. However, this only works if the adware is installed as a standalone program.
• Anti-virus and anti-malware tools: Use specialized anti-adware software or comprehensive security programs such as Malwarebytes or Spybot to scan your system and remove adware.
• Browser cleanup: Check and remove suspicious extensions or add-ons in your browsers. Reset your browser settings to fix unwanted changes.
• System restore: In severe cases where removal is not possible, you can restore your system to a previous restore point.

How can I protect myself against adware?

To avoid future infections, you should take the following preventive measures:

• Use good antivirus and anti-malware software: This software scans and blocks suspicious downloads or behavior patterns on your computer.
• Be careful with free downloads: Only download software from trusted sources and be sure to check the installation processes carefully. Avoid skipping “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options.
• Use an adblocker: A good adblocker can not only block annoying ads, but also prevent you from clicking on dangerous ads that could lead to adware.
• Keep your browser and software up to date: Outdated software can have security vulnerabilities that adware exploits to get onto your system.

What is the difference between adware, malware and spyware?

• Adware: As already described, adware displays advertising. It is primarily designed to generate revenue through advertising.
• Malware: An umbrella term for malicious software, which includes viruses, Trojans, worms and ransomware. Malware is often designed to cause damage or gain control of a system.
• Spyware: A specific form of malware that secretly collects data about the user, such as passwords, browsing habits or credit card information. Adware can sometimes also act as spyware when it collects personal information to serve targeted advertising.

Does adware affect my online privacy?

Yes, adware can compromise your privacy. While some adware only collects harmless data about your browsing behavior, such as websites visited and preferred search terms, there are also forms that can harvest sensitive information. This data is often sold to advertising networks or third-party providers who use it for targeted advertising. In some cases, adware can even collect personal data such as email addresses or phone numbers.

Can adware occur on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets?

Yes, adware can also be installed on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. This often happens via questionable apps downloaded from alternative app stores or fraudulent ads. A common sign of adware on mobile devices is sudden pop-up ads or unexpected changes in your browser. To avoid this, you should only download apps from official sources such as the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and read reviews carefully.

Are all free programs bundled with adware?

Not all free programs contain adware, but many “freemium” or “free” offers are financed by advertising or bundling. However, there are also reputable developers who offer free software without adware. To make sure you don’t unknowingly install adware, you should always check the installation process and select custom options to prevent additional programs from installing. Also read reviews and recommendations to make sure the program is trustworthy.

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