Adware: What is it & How to Prevent it

June 13, 2023

Spyware is harmful software. When installed on your device, it may send pop-up ads, redirect browsers to different websites, or secretly monitor user behavior. The hacker collects personal information, from your computer, without your consent, and sends the information to third parties to do damage or possible steal your identity.  

5 Types of Spyware:

There are many different types of spyware – here are a few examples:

Adware is the most common type of spyware; we will focus on this area below.    

How does Adware work? 

Adware, also known as advertisement-supported software, is created to show you ads forcibly, as a pop-up. The ads and offers you receive are based on websites you visit. The purpose is for creators and distributing vendors to make money through ads. 

Adware quietly installs itself, onto your computer, through software. Search and browsing history may be tracked, to display ads targeted towards individuals. The hope is for you to click – accidentally or not – on the displayed ad and generate money for the developers.   

Signs of Infection

If you experience any of the following symptoms, your computer may be infected with adware/spyware and/or another malicious program.   

If you suspect your computer is infected, please take the following steps:  

  1. Disconnect your computer from the network
  2. Disable the wireless connectivity
  3. Contact the MCC Help Desk: (254) 299-8077 or helpdesk@mclennan.edu 

Ways to Prevent Infection

Remember, adware is another way for cyber criminals to breach your company and cause financial or reputational harm. It is a scam, and you may be misled. To help prevent a possible infection, take the following steps:  


Revision #2
Created 6 February 2025 21:31:35 by Laura J. Crapps
Updated 26 February 2025 03:35:37 by Laura J. Crapps