Adware? Madware? Let’s Learn About the Emerging Mobile Threats!

In Mobile Security Threats that You NEED to Know About (Part 1), I have mentioned madware, spyware, and many terms that may be unfamiliar to many. Have I gone mad? Nope.

Madware is a real thing. To know more about it, I must start with discussing adware.

What is Adware?

• From the name itself, you can get the hint that it is implying ad or advertising. So, this software will be showing you unwanted advertisements on your screen.
• These adware programs will give you pop-up ads, and these can be annoying because they will just appear suddenly. Then, they just attack with many unwanted advertisements.

Not Quite a Virus!

• Just because an adware is not a virus, it doesn’t mean that you have nothing to worry about. Yeah, adware may not seem harmful and malicious as other things that loom on the Internet.
• Adware can be really irritating every single time they bombard your computer with a bunch of ads.  In fact, adware could also present long-term issues.
• For one, adware will collect your browsing history in order to serve you with advertisements that are customized your unique interests. Adware infections can interfere with your browsing experience. Of course, you would need to close them when the ads pop-up all at once! Thus, making your browsing slower and burdensome.
• What is the purpose of an adware? The most common goal is to collect information about you… and sell your information to companies. So, they can make money. Yes, people earn dollars with your information.

What is Madware?

• It is called madware when an adware is on a mobile device like your phone or a tablet.
• That’s clear now: adware is on a computer, and madware is on a mobile device. Whether you call it adware or madware, the same thing will happen. It is going to slow down your computer and it will be more prone to crashing.

How do you get adware?

There are many ways to get infected by an adware, but here are the 2 most common ways.

• First, it is a freebie from the program you downloaded. Typically, a freeware or shareware come with a free adware. It is added to your device without your permission.
• The second way to get it is through a bad website. These websites can contain adwares, and infect your web browser.

How to know if a device is infected by an adware?

Here are the most common symptoms of an adware infection:

• Slow computer
  • When programs take time to launch or run, it’s usually a sign. Adware can slow down your device by hoarding the memory space. Once it takes up space, it will have an impact on your device’s overall performance.
• Filled with ads
  • As discussed earlier, ads will pop-up while you are browsing. Well, it is normal to see ads, but if you are constantly getting ads, the device may probably be infected by an adware.
• The homepage of your browser changes
  • An adware is known for making browser changes. It will change the home page and redirect you to another URL that you did not set yourself. In this new page set, you will be able to get more adware and other threats that could harm your device.

Protecting Your Devices Against Adware

Protecting yourself is not hard to do. You just have to apply some common-sense precautions, and follow the tips listed here. If you have questions about cybersecurity, please contact Omnipotech Support Center or call the number 281-768-4800!