Adware is not malware, but still a threat

In today's digital world, cyberattacks are a constant threat, and adware attacks are one of the most common forms of malware. Adware can not only affect the user experience, but also jeopardize security and privacy.

In this article, we'll take a close look at adware cyberattacks, examine their impact on organizations, and discuss key steps to prevent and defend against this threat.

A. What is adware?

An adware attack refers to a type of malicious software (malware) that is designed to display unwanted advertisements on a computer, smartphone or other internet-enabled device. Adware stands for "advertising-supported software" and was originally developed as a legal way to support free software programs by integrating advertising into the application.

Adware can get onto a device in a number of ways, for example by downloading infected files or programs from the internet, opening infected email attachments or clicking on fraudulent advertisements.

Adware attacks can also jeopardize the user's privacy by monitoring their online activities and collecting personal information to display targeted advertising or sell to third parties.

Adware vs. Spyware

Adware, while a nuisance, presents distinct challenges compared to spyware. For IT professionals in critical sectors, understanding these differences is vital for effective threat mitigation. Here's a breakdown:

B. 7 types of adware

These types of adware attacks can have a significant impact on user experience, security and privacy. Therefore, it is important to be careful when downloading files from unknown sources, watch out for suspicious ads and use reliable security measures such as antivirus software and regular updates to prevent or detect such attacks.

1. Browser hijacking:

   In this attack, the adware takes control of the user's web browser, changes the home page, adds unwanted toolbars or redirects the user to fraudulent websites. This leads to an increased display of advertisements and a loss of control over the user's browser.

2. Pop-up ads:

   Adware can generate pop-up ads that suddenly appear on the user's screen. These ads can be annoying, interfere with content visibility and entice the user to click on fraudulent links or fake download buttons.

3. Malvertising:

   This involves placing malicious ads on legitimate websites. When a user clicks on the ad, they are redirected to an infected website that can spread further malware. This attack exploits the trustworthiness of known websites to deceive users.

4. Adware bundle:

   Adwareis often bundled with other programs or applications that the user downloads. The adware is secretly installed without the user's knowledge or consent.

5. Mobile adware:

   This attack targets mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. Adware can hide in apps and display unwanted advertising on the mobile device. In some cases, it can also take control of the device and steal sensitive information.

6. Drive-by downloads:

   This is where adware is downloaded to the user's computer when they visit an infected website or click on a malicious link. The adware is installed in the background without the user realizing it.

7. Phishing ads:

   This attack uses fake ads to trick users into revealing personal information such as passwords, credit card details or account information. Users are redirected to fake websites that resemble legitimate websites.
   
   

C. How does the adware attack work?

Adware is often part of a wider attack and can include other malicious activities such as spyware, malware or phishing. Companies should therefore take comprehensive security measures to detect, prevent and combat such attacks.

1. Infection: The adware is introduced onto a user's device, often by downloading infected files or programs from unsafe sources, clicking on malicious ads or opening fraudulent email attachments.

2. Installation: Once the adware is on the device, it begins to install itself. This often happens in the background without the user's knowledge or consent.

3. Ads: The adware displays unwanted ads, in the form of pop-ups, banners, redirects or even screen hijacks. These ads can disrupt the normal user experience and block access to certain features or websites.

4. Data collection: Adware can also collect information about the user's online activities, such as websites visited, search queries or click behavior. This data is often used for advertising purposes or sold to third parties, jeopardizing the user's privacy.

5. Impact: The effects of an adware attack can be manifold. In addition to impacting user experience and productivity, adware infections can also lead to system crashes, data loss or even the compromise of sensitive company data.
   
   

D. Adware attack in companies

Adware attacks in organizations can have devastating effects. First, infected employees can install adware on their work devices via infected emails or downloads, which can spread throughout the network.

The unwanted ads can affect employee productivity and disrupt workflow. There is also a risk of sensitive company data being stolen or compromised by the adware. Finally , an adware infection can damage the company's reputation and shake the confidence of customers and business partners.

Therefore, it is critical that organizations implement effective security measures, such as regular employee training, strong firewall and antivirus software, and strict policies for handling potentially unsafe downloads and emails, to prevent such attacks.

E. Effective removal of adware on Windows devices

Adware can not only cause annoying pop-ups, but can also pose serious security risks to organizations in critical sectors such as healthcare, industry or public administration. Adware removal begins with a thorough system scan. First, IT specialists and administrators should open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and search for unknown or suspicious processes. It is then advisable to check the list of installed programs in the Control Panel and uninstall any applications that are not recognized or have been installed unexpectedly.

A comprehensive scan with an up-to-date antivirus or anti-malware solution helps to detect and remove hidden adware components. In addition, the browser should be cleaned by deactivating unwanted extensions and resetting the settings to the default values. To avoid future infections, it is advisable to perform regular software updates, use ad blockers and increase employee awareness of phishing and download risks.

Remove adware from Android devices

Adware on Android devices can manifest itself through intrusive advertising, unexpected app installations or reduced system performance. To remove adware, users should first start the device in safe mode to prevent malicious apps from running. This can vary depending on the manufacturer, but is usually done by holding down the on/off button and then selecting "Safe mode". You should then search for unknown or recently installed applications in the settings under "Apps" and uninstall them. We also recommend clearing the browser cache and checking suspicious app permissions. A scan with a trusted security app can identify additional threats. To avoid re-infection, users should only download apps from official sources such as the Google Play Store and carefully check the permissions of each app.

F. 8 tips to strengthen your IT security against adware attacks

By implementing the following measures, companies can increase their resilience to adware attacks and minimize the risk of infection and potential damage.

• Raise employee awareness:

  Train your employees on cybersecurity, especially regarding the risks of adware. Teach them to recognize and avoid suspicious emails, unsafe downloads and questionable ads.

• Strong security policies:

  Implement clear policies and procedures for dealing with software installations, downloads and emails. Prohibit downloading programs from untrusted sources and opening unknown email attachments.

• Up-to-date software and patches:

  Keep your operating system, applications and security software up to date. Regular updates will help close known security holes and reduce vulnerability to adware attacks.

• Use security software:

  Implement strong anti-virus and anti-malware software on all devices on the corporate network. These programs can help detect, block and remove adware before it causes damage.

• Restrict administrator rights:

  Limit the number of employees with administrator access to their work devices. Restricting administrator rights reduces the risk of unwanted adware installation.

• Network monitoring:

  Implement monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect suspicious activity on the network early. Monitor traffic and access logs to identify anomalies and respond quickly to potential adware attacks.

• Regular backups:

  Perform regular backups of your data to prevent data loss in the event of an adware attack or other incident. Ensure that the backups are kept separate from the affected devices and stored securely.

• Employee access control:

  Manage employee access rights to files, folders and network resources. Limit access to sensitive data and only grant the authorizations required for the task at hand.

• Regular training and awareness campaigns:

  Conduct regular training and awareness campaigns to keep your employees up to date on current threats, phishing techniques and cybersecurity best practices.

Adware attacks pose a serious threat to computer and business security. This malicious software infiltrates devices and displays unwanted ads, compromises the user experience and can put sensitive company data at risk.

To protect against adware attacks, organizations should promote security awareness, implement strong security measures such as endpoint security and perform regular updates and use of antivirus software.

Find out how DriveLock's Hypersecure Platfrom can improve your organization's defenses against adware and other threats by signing up for a free demo.