Adware

Adware (short for advertising-supported software) is a type of software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material, such as banners, pop-ups, or advertisements in toolbars, when a user is online. It often collects and transmits user data to advertisers. While some adware is considered benign, serving as a revenue source for freeware, malicious forms can compromise user privacy and system performance through aggressive advertising and potentially including tracking cookies or even installing other malware. It's often bundled with other software during installation and can be difficult to remove completely.

Adware meaning with examples

• Sarah found her web browser constantly bombarded with pop-up ads after installing a free video editor. It slowed down her computer significantly. She suspected adware, because the program didn’t mention any ads. She ran a scan with her anti-malware software and identified the program as the source, proving her suspicions and beginning the long removal process.
• After downloading a seemingly harmless game from a disreputable website, John's computer started displaying intrusive banner ads and redirecting his searches. He soon realized he had installed adware that not only interfered with his browsing experience, but also collected his browsing history to target him with even more specific advertising. He chose a powerful tool and went to work removing the program.
• Many free software downloads use adware to generate revenue. By displaying advertisements, developers can offer their programs at no cost. Users, however, must be careful when installing such software to avoid inadvertently installing unwanted components or other software. Therefore, the ability to read the TOS and selectively accept installation choices is a key factor here.
• Companies also try to install adware when the user isn't paying attention, like when installing browser extensions or third-party software. They may bury the consent in the terms of service. This practice is considered deceptive and potentially harmful as the user may not be aware of the software’s capabilities, or that the data they collect may be sold.