Nobody likes being forced to watch ads. Unfortunately, however, there is a lot of money to be made by bad faith actors if they are able to find ways to force you to watch those ads.
A popular method that they use to do just that is something called adware.
Adware apps have been around for years, and they’re becoming more and more popular as people continue to use their mobile devices. Adware apps can be intrusive and annoying, interrupting the use of the device that they are installed on. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers that adware apps can pose.
Adware is a type of software that displays advertisements on your device. These ads can be intrusive and difficult to avoid. They can also be used to track your online behavior and collect data about you without your knowledge. This data can be used for targeted marketing, which can lead to more ads being displayed on your device.
Adware apps can also be used to install malicious software on your device. This malicious software can be used to steal your personal information or take control of your device.
One of the popular ways that adware can get on your phone is from third-party app stores. These stores may not have the same security measures in place as the official app stores, so it’s important to be cautious when downloading apps from them.
Although, even if you don’t use one of these third-party app stores, you are still at risk. On the official Google Play and Apple App Store, there are millions of apps that disguise themselves as common utility apps or games. Some apps will say they’re a compass app and they will have a compass functionality but it will also be served along side intrusive adware.
Finally, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of adware. Common symptoms include pop-up ads, changes to your browser settings, and slow device performance. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action. You can remove the adware manually or use an anti-malware program to scan your device for malicious software.
By being aware of adware apps, you can protect yourself from the potential risks they pose. Don’t forget to stay vigilant and always use caution when downloading apps.
Contact us on how you can block adware and prevent your mobile devices from getting compromised.