Are you worried about the security of your computer? Have you noticed strange ads popping up on your screen or unexpected changes in your browser settings? If so, then a computer has likely been infected with Adware. In this guide, we’ll explain what Adware is and provide some tips for removing it from your PC safely and effectively.
What exactly is Adware?
Adware is a type of malicious software designed to display intrusive advertisements and secretly track user data. Unbeknownst to the user, it may be installed when users click on pop-up ads or download free software from questionable websites. For example, a user may unknowingly download and install Adware while installing a new game or program.
Once installed, the Adware will cause pop-up ads to appear, make subversive edits to browser settings, and track web activity for targeted advertising purposes.
Adware may seem like a minor nuisance. However, the presence of this malicious software can cause serious problems for your computer’s performance and put you at risk of fraud or identity theft.
According to a statistics study by DataProt (a security research firm), Adware is the most common type of malware, accounting for more than 48% of all malicious software threats detected in early 2023. While it is not particularly dangerous in and of itself, Adware can open the door to more significant threats such as viruses and Trojans.
How does Adware work?
Adware works by infiltrating a computer and monitoring user activity. As users browse the web, Adware collects data on their browsing habits, such as which websites they visit, how often they visit, and what searches they conduct.
With this information, Adware can generate targeted ads tailored to each user’s interests. These ads are then displayed in the browser as pop-up windows or banners, and if clicked on, may redirect users to sites hosting more malicious software.
What hidden risks does adware pose?
Adware may not seem harmful when it appears as annoying pop-up ads targeting you with products based on your search history. Or you might receive fake warnings designed to look like they’re sent from Apple, claiming that your device is infected with a virus.
Adware can come with hidden risks like:
- Hijacking your browser to change your search engine settings and redirect you to sites
- Breaching privacy by collecting and tracking your browsing activity and data without your consent
- Installing spyware to monitor your activity or extensions that inject ads or harvest data
In rare worst-case scenarios, adware can open the door by installing a backdoor that quietly infects your system to do more serious damage without your knowledge.
How can you tell if your Mac has adware?
Adware is not always as obvious as those pesky pop-up ads that flood your screen on an unfamiliar web page. Some signs can be more subtle and may be mistakenly overlooked as harmless.
Webpages load much more slowly than usual
Adware can run background scripts that drag down the performance of Safari or Chrome, making even normal sites feel sluggish.
You get redirected to websites you didn’t type in
Unexpected redirects are a common sign of a browser hijacker forcing traffic through shady search engines or ad-heavy pages.
Unfamiliar extensions suddenly appear in Safari
If extensions show up that you don’t remember installing, they may be injecting ads or tracking your browsing activity.
Targeted ads appear on sites that don’t normally have them
Adware can insert extra ads into otherwise clean websites, often based on what you’ve recently searched or clicked.
How can you remove adware from your Mac effectively?
It’s a good idea to run a malware scan on your Mac if you suspect that there are signs of adware on your Mac. This will help you identify problems early so you can begin removal immediately. The Moonlock is designed to spot hidden adware on your Mac, flag suspicious components, and make cleanup very straightforward.
Here is how to remove adware easily:
- Sign up for your free trial and then install Moonlock.
- Open the app and select Malware Scanner on the left.
- Choose Deep Scan to check your Mac for adware.
- Click Scan to start scanning for adware and other threats.
- Select any detected adware and click Remove.
Here are your next steps after running a malware scan:
- Delete unfamiliar apps.
- Clean up browser extensions.
- Review startup programs.
- Restart your Mac to confirm the issue is gone.
These steps are usually enough to remove adware from a Mac and restore normal browsing behavior.
How to get rid of adware in different browsers
It’s no secret that popular browsers can get cluttered with adware. Here’s how to remove adware in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.
Safari
Open Settings and carefully go through the Extensions list. Find any extensions that look unfamiliar and clear all website data. Restart Safari and check if the adware is gone.
Chrome
Go to Settings in Chrome. Head over to Extensions and uninstall any suspicious entries. If that doesn’t work, you can reset the default configuration profile on Chrome to restore it to its normal behavior.
Firefox
Choose Add-ons and Themes. Look for any unknown or strange extensions, then remove them. Clear any browsing data if redirects continue.
Additional manual adware removal methods on Mac
If stubborn ads or redirects continue after your first cleanup, something else may be going on. Here are a few extra steps to try.
Check the list of apps that launch automatically at startup
Go to System Settings > General > Login Items. Remove anything you don’t recognize or no longer need.
See if any software was installed right before the issue began
If the problem started shortly after installing a new app or download, try uninstalling it. Bundled adware is a common cause.
Use Activity Monitor on your Mac to check for unfamiliar processes that are running
Open Activity Monitor and look for suspicious processes using high CPU or memory, especially ones with odd names.
Clear all browser data and cache on the web browser you use
In Safari, Chrome, or Firefox, clear your browsing data to remove stored scripts or settings that may be causing redirects.
It’s no secret that adware doesn’t disappear on its own. When manual methods aren’t enough, act promptly and use the Moonlock antivirus to handle the legwork so you can remove adware from your Mac completely and restore your Mac’s performance—and your peace of mind.
How to prevent Adware
Of course, the ideal approach is to prevent Adware from infiltrating your computer in the first place. To do this, you should do the following:
- Keep your software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
- Be wary of suspicious emails or websites, as they may contain malicious links or downloads that could infect your PC.
- Install reputable antivirus software like Moonlock and set it to run regular scans.
- Use a secure web browser that can block malicious sites, such as Google Chrome or Firefox.
- Be mindful of what you download online and read all End User License Agreements (EULAs) before installing any software.
These simple steps can significantly reduce your chances of getting infected with Adware and other malicious software.
How to protect yourself from Adware
If you’re serious about Adware protection, you should know that it’s not enough to occasionally scan your computer and remove any malicious software. You must take steps to protect yourself from future Adware threats.
Aside from investing in a good antivirus program, consider using a premium VPN service, which keeps your data and identity secure while browsing the web. A quality VPN will encrypt your connection and hide your IP address, making it virtually impossible for hackers or malicious software to access your data or track your activities.
Try, for example, ClearVPN — a premium VPN service from MacPaw (a trusted security software developer). ClearVPN offers a wide range of features that can help keep your data and identity secure, including automatic connection protection, dedicated IP address masking, DNS leak protection, and 256-bit encryption.
Plus, it’s extremely easy to use! Just download the VPN software and install it on your PC. Run the VPN app and click the “Protect me” button. It’s as easy as that. Using ClearVPN alongside an antivirus program, you can rest assured that your PC is well-protected from Adware along with a host of other types of malicious software. Download the ClearVPN app for your device here and protect your PC from adware.