With so many abbreviations, the differences between PUP, PUA, and the like can get confusing, but in a nutshell, malware is an umbrella term that includes: Device-specific: Different devices and operating systems have different types of adware, so adware for Macs may look different from adware for Windows computers.Īdware vs.Browser hijackers: Browser hijackers change your browser settings without your knowledge or consent, typically affecting both homepage and default search settings.PUPs: Potentially unwanted programs are any software that you didn’t ask to be installed on your device.Legitimate adware: Legitimate adware is any online advertisement that doesn’t contain malware (no matter how annoying it may be).There are different types of it, including these: Types of AdwareĪdware is not all created equal. Rather, adware is a potentially unwanted program, abbreviated (adorably) as PUP.

There’s a common misconception that adware is a type of virus, but that’s not the case. Think of it as the circle of life, but for creepy online advertisements. Some adware sells this data to third parties as well. Aside from the ads themselves, adware can track what websites users visit to create even more targeted ads. However, unlike with regular advertisements, users download adware unknowingly.

Users go to websites infected with adware that takes advantage of vulnerabilities within browsers, downloading adware in files.Īdware generates revenue through online advertising.Users download a free program (called freeware or shareware) that they don’t know contains adware.2 You know the saying - if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.Īdware usually spreads in one of two ways: 1 Who Does Adware Target?Īdware targets both individuals and businesses, but it targets individuals more commonly, often by offering new games, movies, or deals that turn out to be fraudulent.

On mobile devices, adware is sometimes called madware, according to Norton. Adware is advertising-supported software that displays ads on both computers and mobile devices.

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