When you ask someone what is the first thing that comes in their mind when you say “malware”, they will probably say “spyware” or “adware.”

That may be partially true, because one of the main security threats when it comes to malware is spyware and adware. However, there are differences and common misconceptions about each.

What is Adware?

Technically speaking, adware is not really malware. Adware is a type of legitimate free software that comes in bundled with advertising software that usually displays advertisements to cover costs and gain some income. Adware is short for advertisement-supported software.

It is just like freeware only that it has advertisements with it. In most cases, when the advertisements are uninstalled, it will render the main program unusable. Some adware don’t directly display advertisements in the main program but may install add-ons to other software like Internet browsers in the form of toolbars. It may also change the default search engine or the home page of the browser.

Adware behaves like spyware in some degree, though is less serious because it is used to deliver targeted advertisements to users. It makes it possible by monitoring the websites and page being visited, purchases being made online, and even how long a user spends time online. Such statistics are sent to advertising partners to deliver advertisements that a user will probably like.

For example, you frequently visit websites about cars, gadgets, and computers; such behavior is recorded and later sent to deliver “relevant” advertisements. In a computer that is full of adware, popup, search result pages, and even the main software will most likely display advertisements of products or services related to the sites being visited online.

This behavior makes it a threat to privacy and even security. That is the main reason why security software vendors, ones that make anti-spy ware software, consider this software as malware. Adware programs examples are peer-to-peer software, Internet browsers, and simple computer games. (Learn how to get rid of computer adware.)

What is Spyware?

Compared to adware, spyware is much worse and is a greater security risk. Spyware not only monitors browsing activity, but also tracks, records, and transmits personal information like the name and address, banking details, and credit card information. The worst part is that spyware is installed into a computer without a user’s knowledge.

Most sites that offer adware inform users that the free software they provide comes with an advertisement partner. Spyware, however, does not inform their users.

The lack of privacy and security isn’t the only problem with spyware. They also have the capability to crash or slow down a computer, especially when infected with many spyware programs. Some may corrupt system files in order to avoid detection, and can significantly slow down even a broadband Internet connection. (Learn how to detect spyware.)

Protection Against Spyware and Adware

The only way to ensure you are safe from these types of malware is to use security software such as antivirus and anti-spyware software. Many antivirus software can now detect spyware, though may not be effective in removing them from an infected computer. The best way to make sure that there is no infection of spyware, anti-spyware software must be used.

If you haven’t tried using anti-spyware software, then you can first try freeware products such as Spybot Search and Destroy, Bazooka Spyware Scanner, and Ad-aware.

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