What is Adware? Adware is any software that automatically displays advertisements while the software is being installed or in use. While some adware is used to support “free” applications and content, other types of adware are downloaded without the user’s knowledge and do not give the user any control over them.

Why should you care?

Your PC could be inundated with pop up advertisements, have system settings changed, such as homepage, or worse, end up infected with spyware.

How to Protect Yourself

Keep your PC current with the latest software updates and patches.

• Apply the latest security updates and patches to your software programs and operating systems and enable automatic updates where possible. Since cybercriminals typically take advantage of flaws in the software to plant malware on your PC, keeping your software current will minimize your exposure to vulnerabilities.

Protect your PC with security software.

• Install an Internet security suite like Trend Micro™ Internet Security that includes spam filtering and blocking as well as anti-malware and anti-spyware capabilities. Keep security software up-to-date.
• Scan your PC with a free tool such as HouseCall to see whether you have been infected.

Protect yourself and your PC

• Beware of web pages requiring software installation. Scan programs before executing. Always read the end user license agreement and cancel if you notice other programs being downloaded in conjunction with the desired program.