Adware: How to Beat the Sneakiest Software
by Joel Walsh
Adware is, by definition, something reasonable people don't want on
their computers. That's why adware can't just come out and ask people
to install it. Often, the computer owner is completely unaware of it
being installed. But not always.
When adware doesn't want to sneak in through an open window, it will
try to trick you into letting it in through the front door. Don't think
you could be tricked? Don't be so sure until you've checked out these
most common ways people have been tricked into allowing malware to be
installed on their machines.
Adware Installation Trick 1: Piggybacking
How it works: malware may come bundled with a legitimate piece of
software the user actually wants, such as a game or emoticon. 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 installed software that comes bundled with
other software unless you know everything that the bundled software
does. After all, if the bundled program has anything to do with the
program you actually want, why couldn't the software developer just get
both programs' functionalities into a single piece of software?
Software developers are now very sensitive to malware concerns and will
provide a lengthy explanation of just why the bundled software is
necessary, in the cases when they actually do need to use bundled
software.
Adware Installation Trick 2: Bait and Switch
How it works: since people are getting more and more suspicious of
bundled software, the malware's developers may simply label it as
valuable software, for instance, a browser plugin that supposedly
accelerates web browsing (but in reality only shows ads).
How to fight it: again, a suspicious mind is useful in avoiding malware. Ask yourself some questions:
* What will this software actually do? Malware often comes with very
fuzzy claims attached. Sure, it says it will improve your browsing
experience, but how? Often, this improved browsing experience just
means a browsing experience with more advertising.
* If the software is so great, why is it being given away free? Most
commonly, software is only given out free in two cases: if it's
OpenSource (designed by a community of developers and not
proprietary–OpenSource software is always clearly labeled as such); or
simply a come-on for a fuller-featured version of the software. If
neither case is true, there's a real chance the software is financed by
adware.
Adware Installation Trick 3: Outright Lying
How it works: malware may even be labeled as something else entirely,
such as a well-known piece of software or a crucial component of the
computer operating system.
How to fight it: this is the trickiest malware of all, and requires
extreme caution. You don't want to start deleting any of your program
files, much less your system registry entries, unless you're absolutely
sure it's malware. Plenty of overzealous parasite hunters have shot
their own machines to bits this way. This is one case where you want to
be using an anti-spyware program, and preferably a second anti-spyware
program to provide a second opinion.
Getting Rid of Adware
Adware is so tricky that trying to uninstall it by yourself could be
like a trip into the Matrix. Luckily, there are good anti-spyware
programs that tackle adware as well–after all many adware programs are
also spyware since they monitor your internet usage.
True, it may feel like adding insult to injury to have to install more
software to get rid of software you never meant to install in the first
place. But sometimes you just have to fight fire with fire.
About the author: Joel Walsh has written a companion article on stealth tactics used by adware:
adware protection : http://www.spyware-refuge.com
