Adware: How can it steal your personal data?

Let's say you decide to download some software. The provider will ask you to agree to the terms and conditions, which are many pages, boring and written in a small font, which is often indistinguishable if you do not enlarge it.

We do not accuse you of accepting the terms without reading them. However, this carries risks. You may end up with an adware along with the software of your choice.

Can adware harm you? 

We share with you the findings of a university study on adware created in collaboration with Google. Finally, we will see a short list of trusted ad removal applications.

Adware and science 

Researchers at Google and New York University have teamed up to see what adware actually does to devices. Adware  is a combination of "malware" and "advertising". It usually refers to ads that the user downloads unknowingly or that appear on a pop-up screen.

Once downloaded, adware may bombard users with pop-up ads and collect to deliver customized ads based on their searches. Of course not everyone has a problem with this. There are, however, some who believe that adware violates their privacy.

It is not a "theft" of personal data 

We return to the fact that you must read the terms of use. They may contain details about the software you have chosen to download. When you click "agree", you consent to the adware. This means that he does not "steal" anything. You agree to download it and collect your data when you consent to its installation.

While Google for years trying to locate sites with a lot of adware, they still exist. Adware is profitable and very common nowadays.

Adware business model 

The researchers studied a specific type of adware in conjunction with legitimate software in an effort to gain a better understanding of the business models of adware companies.

Various adware providers have been tested. They discovered that their software once installed, took a quick look at all the data on a computer. This helped him avoid security measures and locate personalized advertisements.

Since ad providers are paid for each download, this activity makes sense to them. They always try to avoid safe navigation detection along with other adaptive measures.

Sometimes you don't even get a warning. This is the worst kind of adware. Don't download anything that seems too good to be true. It's probably adware. Avoid clicking on pop-ups or links that advertise free stuff, even if you think you'll just close the pop-up. Always buy software or programs from legitimate sources .

The result of an Adware infection

Adware will not only slow down your computer but will compromise even your most basic functions and use your data for the benefit of its creators. It can cause a lot to a device, passing information silently and without your knowledge. Malicious adware can hack credit card information, passwords or contacts as well as steal your browsing history. Recently, Android malware infections used adware hidden in mobile game apps.

Remember that Lenovo pre-installed adware on some of the company's products, according to security experts, exposed their systems to hackers.

Protect yourself

Hackers know that Android leads the mobile market in sales and are increasingly targeting smartphones to steal their personal information. The first measure you should take is to install virus protection on both your phone and computer. You will see the “verify apps” option in Android settings. You should always click this box when downloading one s or some software. Also remove pirated or suspicious apps.

Adware Cleanup on Android

Do you have adware on your phone and ads appear even when your data is disabled? If this is the case then go to Settings on your device and then to the Applications tab. Check out the apps you have there. If you see suspiciously installed files, uninstall them at the same time. Some reliable adware removal programs are AndroHelm Mobile Security, 360 Security, TrustGo Antivirus, Avira Antivirus Security, AVG Antivirus Security, AVAST Mobile Security and finally Bitdefender Antivirus.

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Written by Anastasis Vasileiadis

Translations are like women. When they are beautiful they are not faithful and when they are faithful they are not beautiful.

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