Adware: What is it and How to Protect Your Windows PC

It is essential to keep your Windows computer protected from threats. Adware is one of the most frequently ignored threats. Recognizing adware banners and tips for keeping your Windows PC safe from it is critical to saving you a lot of headaches and preventing security breaches.

What is Adware?

Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is malicious software designed to display unwanted advertisements on your computer. These ads can pop up in various forms, such as banners, pop-up windows, and even as part of your web browser. While adware might seem harmless, it can significantly slow down your computer, compromise privacy, and serve as a gateway for more severe malware.

Who Does This Advertising-supported Software Target?

Traditionally, adware primarily targets individuals rather than businesses. It spans various platforms, including Windows PCs, Macs, mobile phones, and web browsers. Adware entices potential victims with offers that seem too good to be true, such as free games, movies, or exclusive deals, using deceptive tactics to lure unsuspecting users into its scams.

How Does It Spread?

Email Phishing: Phishing emails are drafted to deceive recipients into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. These actions can install adware on your computer without your knowledge.

Drive-by Downloads: This method automatically downloads adware when you visit a compromised or malicious website.

Ad Pop-ups: Annoying pop-up ads can sometimes carry adware. Clicking on these ads, even accidentally, can trigger an adware installation.

Instant Messages through Social Media: Social media platforms can also be a breeding ground for adware. Malicious links sent via instant messages can lead to unintentional adware downloads.

Types of Adware

Adware comes in various forms, each with its characteristics and levels of invasiveness:

• Pop-up Adware: This type generates persistent ads that can slow down your computer and disrupt your browsing experience.
• Ad-injecting Adware: Inserts ads into web pages you visit, often altering the page layout and user experience.
• Tracking Adware: Monitors your browsing habits and collects personal information, which can be sold to third parties or used for targeted advertising.
• Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs): These programs are often bundled with legitimate software and can include adware components that display ads or track your online behavior.
• System Slowing Adware: This type consumes significant system resources, causing your computer to run slowly and potentially leading to crashes.

Detecting adware can be tricky since it often disguises itself as legitimate software. Common signs include an unusual number of pop-up ads, slow computer performance, new toolbars in your web browser, and changes to your homepage or default search engine without your consent.

Protecting Your Windows PC from Adware

Windows Updates

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is crucial. Updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities exploited by adware and other malware.

To check if your Windows is up to date: Start > Settings > Windows Update > This page will tell you if your Windows is up to date, or you can click Install Updates or Check for Updates when your computer is outdated.

Be Cautious with Non-HTTPS Sites

When browsing the internet, being cautious with non-HTTPS sites is crucial. These websites lack secure encryption provided by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates, which creates a vulnerability for adware and other malicious software to infiltrate your system. 

HTTPS ensures that the data exchanged between your browser and the website remains encrypted and secure, protecting you from potential cyber threats. 

Trusted Sources for Downloads

Download programs exclusively from official websites or well-known platforms like Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store. These trusted sources rigorously screen their software to minimize the risk of adware. For example, if you need a web browser, download it directly from the official Chrome, Firefox, or Edge websites instead of third-party sites. 

This practice helps ensure that you only install clean, adware-free software.

Utilize a VPN To Avoid Adware

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help protect your online activities from being monitored and intercepted, adding an extra layer of security against adware.

Invest in Reliable Antivirus with Malware Defense Software

Using a robust antivirus program that can quickly detect and quarantine malicious software is essential. Regular scans will help keep your system clean and adware-free.

If you are a Windows user, it is advisable to purchase third-party software such as Fortect, which provides full virus and malware protection and auto-updates.

With Fortect Premium, you get more advanced malware protection scanning to detect and remove threats such as adware, PUPs, and other forms of malware before they can do more serious damage. It scans your Windows PC, shows you the threats, removes them, and improves your computer’s performance.

Download and Install Fortect now.

Be Wary of Suspicious Links

Just be careful with suspicious links to prevent them from damaging your computer. Links from unknown or unexpected email senders: Before clicking links in instant messages or social media, check that they are who you think they are.

Only click on links on trusted websites. Using secure web browsers that block malicious websites helps protect against potential sources by detecting and preventing any suspected site, thus reducing the possibility of adware infections.

Install an Adblocker

Adblockers can prevent many adware-related issues by blocking unwanted ads from appearing in your web browser. To install an adblocker:

1. Choose a reputable adblocker, such as Adblock Plus or uBlock Origin.
2. Visit the adblocker’s official website or the browser extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, etc.).
3. Click on the “Add to Browser” or “Install” button.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
5. Adjust the adblocker’s settings to suit your preferences.

By following these steps and being vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of adware and protect your Windows PC from various online threats.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, grasping the fundamentals of adware is essential for safeguarding your Windows PC. By proactively using a VPN, avoiding unnecessary downloads, regularly updating Windows, and investing in robust malware defense like Fortect, you can protect your system from adware’s intrusive threats, ensuring a safer and more secure online experience.