Adware is software that displays some sort of advertising on your computer and it can cause your business to slow down drastically. Moreover, adware promoters use some cunning tricks to get you to install their software on your machine which is why many businesses discourage casual surfing by their employees. Here’s what to look out for when it comes to one of the Internet’s worst players.

Often, a computer owner is completely unaware that they are installing adware. This is because most people don’t want it on their computer which is why adware promoters often have to trick people into installing this kind of software program. When adware promoters can’t come in through the front door, they will try to trick you into letting them in through the side or back door. Don’t think your employees can be tricked? Check out these most common ways people have been tricked into allowing adware and malware onto their systems.

Adware Installation Trick 1: Piggybacking

How it works: Here, malware and adware promoters will bundle a legitimate piece of software that operators actually want and can use. The malware is merely labeled “companion software,” without any indication of what it will do.

How to fight it: Be very suspicious of any software that comes bundled with other software. Don’t install software that comes bundled with other software unless you know everything that the bundled software does. Many programs that have bundled programs with it will give you the option of checking off items that you do not want to have installed on your computer. Pay close attention to these notifications.

Adware Installation Trick 2: Bait and Switch

How it works: Because people are getting more and more suspicious of bundled software, the program’s developers may simply label it as valuable software. For instance, a browser plug-in that claims to accelerate your web browsing may indeed only show ads.

How to fight it: Again, a suspicious mind is useful in avoiding malware. Ask yourself some questions such as what will this software actually do? If the software is so great, why is it being given away free? Most commonly, free software often comes with a price. Chances are if the software you are being offered is free – with the exception of OpenSourse software – it is usually being financed by some adware advertiser. Often, an “improved” browsing experience just means a browsing experience with more advertising.

Adware Installation Trick 3: Outright Lying

How it works: Sometimes adware promoters result to old-fashioned lying to trick you into installing their program onto your computer.

How to fight it: Obviously, this method is the trickiest for computer users and business owners to detect. Here you will want to use an anti-spyware program, and preferably a second anti-spyware program to provide a second opinion as to the authenticity of the software in question.

Getting Rid of Adware

Adware is so tricky that trying to uninstall it by yourself could be like taking a trip into the Matrix. Luckily, professionals like us can help you tackle adware and other computer related nuisances. We can also help you with data backup and data recovery related issues so that your business network continues to run freely – without freeloaders.