Adware

Software supported by adverts

Adware is essentially any software that is funded by advertising.

Some forms of adware are relatively benign, commercial programs which provide a free version which displays advertising. Others are more insidious, as there is money to be made from pushing adware onto unsuspecting users. This is generally done via 'affiliates' so that the company producing the adware itself can remain legal. Some adware may also install itself in such a manner as to become difficult to remove, hiding components and disabling removal techniques. Adware may also gather sensitive user information from a system, such as browsing habits.

A piece of software pushed by affiliates without user consent crosses the line to become a trojan. Stealing private data without consent renders an item spyware. Many products exist which aim to detect, block and remove adware - some focus only on more malicious kinds, while others can target any kind of advertising.

Related news articles

41 months plus hefty fine for botherder

Cross-border operation brings adware crook to book.

12 June 2008

Spyware maker Direct Revenue closes doors

Notorious company forced out of business by legal actions.

26 October 2007

Microsoft files further adware patent

User behaviour monitors could be used to target ads.

14 September 2007

Kaspersky-Zango case heralded as groundbreaking

Judge sets precedent upholding users' rights to block badware.

07 September 2007

  see all related news stories


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In this month's magazine:
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Virus Bulletin 09 2008
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