Vrunda, a friend, often thought her mobile phone had become relatively slow. When she asked around on social media, someone suggested that she download a mobile cleaning app to remove unnecessary and junk files from the device. She searched and downloaded a mobile cleaning app that looked good and had a lot of assurances to boost the performance of the device. However, her mobile continued to function below average. What was worse, she was bombarded with innumerable pop-up ads every time she used her phone.
When Vrunda contacted me, I asked her about apps that she had recently downloaded and learnt about the cleaning app. I knew it was a fake app, and some research confirmed that several cleaning apps and fake browsers are spreading their way through the Google Play Store. These apps are spreading adware which is why Vrunda was bombarded with advertisements.
Adware is a software that automatically displays or downloads unwanted advertisements on a user's computer or device. Typically, it is bundled with other software and installed without the user's explicit consent. While some adware may be legitimate and offer a free service in exchange for showing ads, different forms can be more malicious, tracking user behaviour and flooding the system with intrusive advertisements.
The worst example of adware is IRCTC's mobile app and website. IRCTC primarily sells railway tickets and charges passengers for the service. Yet, the app is laden with adware. When a user asked IRCTC why he was shown some explicit ads, he received an answer that the ads are served based on the user's browsing history!
This, indeed, is worrisome. IRCTC is breaching the user's privacy and monitoring his browsing. We will deal with this another time.
Coming back to the rampant increase in adware, according to security services-provider Avast, during the September quarter, it recorded a 186% spike in adware just in the US.
It says, "The increase in adware is largely due to malicious apps sneaking onto the Google Play Store. Creators of adware are constantly adapting their tricks to pass Google's security checks, often hiding adware features until after you have downloaded the app. This strategy allows them to quietly flood your phone with ads while avoiding immediate detection."
"Fake browsers and phone-cleaning apps lead the way in this adware surge, promising to 'optimise' your phone but delivering a relentless wave of ads instead. Once installed, these apps often make themselves difficult to delete, hiding icons or embedding deep into your phone's system. So, even after you realise what's going on, getting rid of them can be a headache," Avast says.
Adware threats on mobile phones refer to applications that display intrusive, out-of-context adverts to users to gather fraudulent advertising revenue. This malicious functionality is often delayed until some time after installation and coupled with sneaky features such as hiding the adware app icon to prevent removal. Adware mimics popular apps such as games, camera filters and wallpaper apps, to name a few.
And it is not just annoying—it is also using your data, draining your battery and collecting your personal information.
Adware can come in many forms, such as pop-up ads, banners, redirects, and data tracking. Pop-up ads appear as separate windows or tabs, while banner ads are static or animated and displayed within the interface of an app or website.
Adware may force the browser to visit certain websites, potentially harmful ones, or increase traffic to ad-filled pages. Some adware collects personal data, browsing habits and even sensitive information to target ads more effectively.
Adware can be harmful in several ways. It includes reduced device performance, privacy risks, security vulnerabilities, intrusion and unauthorised modification.
Adware consumes system resources, causing the device to slow down. It can result in longer load times for apps and websites and general lagging in device performance.
Many adware programs track users' online activities, collecting data such as browsing history, search queries, and even personal information. This information is often sold to third-party advertisers, compromising privacy.
Some adware may expose users to additional security risks, like being a gateway to malicious software like malware or spyware. Sometimes, the ads displayed may contain links to fake websites designed to steal login credentials or install additional harmful software.
Constant pop-ups, redirects and banners can make using a device frustrating. It often leads users to inadvertently click on harmful ads or download unwanted programs. Almost all official mobile apps from the Indian Railways, be it the IRCTC ticket booking app, National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or even the Yatri app, are fully loaded with numerous ads that are positioned at places where the user is most likely to touch (on a mobile device) or click (on PC or laptop).
Some adware are capable of changing system settings (like the default search engine or homepage) without permission which can further impair user experience and security.
This brings us to the most relevant question: How can users safeguard devices from adware?
While there are no permanent solutions to fix the adware issues, here are a few suggestions to help you.
Install reputable anti-virus and anti-malware software
Use a trusted security program that includes adware protection and regularly scans your device for threats. Many of these programs can detect and remove adware before it causes damage.
Be cautious when downloading software/ apps
Always download software from trusted, official websites. Avoid downloading programs from third-party sources or suspicious websites, as these are often bundled with adware.
Use a 'custom' or 'advanced' installation option to review what additional software is being installed alongside the main program. Some security programs can scan the app and software before it is installed and warn about any potential threats.
Use a reliable ad-blocker on browsers
An ad blocker can prevent many ads, including potentially harmful ones, from appearing on websites. Some browsers also come with built-in ad-blockers that can be enabled in settings.
Software updates
Ensure that your operating system, browsers and applications are up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can prevent vulnerabilities that adware might exploit. Remember, most modern browsers, including Firefox, Chrome, Brave and Edge, are automatically updated when new updates become available. If it is not, then you can go to settings, search for updates and enable automatic updates.
Enable browser protection features
Modern browsers offer security features such as blocking pop-ups, detecting malicious websites and limiting third-party cookies. Enable these features to reduce exposure to adware.
Use a secure web browser
Consider using browsers that are designed with privacy and security in mind, such as Mozilla Firefox or Brave, which offer enhanced protection against ads and trackers.
Avoid clicking suspicious links
Be cautious when clicking on links from emails, pop-up ads, or social media. Fake advertisements or misleading pop-ups often lead to adware installations.
Review installed programs
Regularly check your device for unfamiliar or suspicious software. If you find programs you don't remember installing, research them and remove any adware or potentially unwanted programs.
By following these preventive measures, users can safeguard their devices from the harmful effects of adware, ensuring a more secure and smooth digital experience.
Returning to Vrunda, I asked her to download a good anti-virus app or security suit (with additional functions like cleaning junk files and a virtual private network-VPN). When she did that, almost all issues with her mobile's slow performance vanished.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe!
