adware

Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is a type of program designed to display advertisements on computers, mobile devices, or web browsers. It often comes bundled with legitimate software as a way for developers to generate revenue, but it can become intrusive and, in some cases, pose security risks. Typically, adware generates pop-up ads, banners, or in-app advertisements and may track user behavior to serve targeted ads. While some adware is harmless and disclosed as part of the software, others can be more malicious, collecting data without consent or disrupting user experience with excessive advertising.

Adware frequently installs alongside other programs, often because users unintentionally agree during the installation process by skipping or overlooking terms. Once installed, it may slow down devices by consuming system resources or increasing bandwidth usage. Beyond performance issues, adware can raise significant privacy concerns by monitoring browsing habits, search queries, and other activities, sometimes even sharing or selling this data to third parties.

To prevent adware, users should download applications from trusted sources, remain cautious during installations, and use reliable antivirus or anti-malware tools. If adware is already installed, specialized removal tools or resetting browser settings can help eliminate it. While some forms of adware are benign, the intrusive and potentially harmful variants make it essential to remain vigilant when installing and using software.