Advice Request Is Adware really a Malware?

[iamshahmeer]

Hey Guys, I am an editor at VPNRanks. Just have a quick question.
I downloaded a Windows client of a VPN and then ran it on Virus Total. Interestingly, I found an adware.
How an adware affects your online privacy and is it somewhat related to snooping your data?
Thanks in advance!

 

[TairikuOkami]

Hi there. Adware might snoop some telemetry about the PC and user's activities, but not documents and such. It does not try to hide, quite the opposite. It is mostly annoying, but not really harmful, unless you install some of the advertized software, that could be malicious.

Adware - What is Adware and How to Remove Adware

Adware is a type of malicious software that displays unwanted advertisements on your device, often in the form of pop-ups or banners. Click here to read more and get rid of adware.

www.malwarebytes.com

 

[shmu26]

Hey Guys, I am an editor at VPNRanks. Just have a quick question.
ran it on Virus Total. Interestingly, I found an adware.

By the way, a detection rate of 1 on Virus Total is very low. It is probably clean, this is called a "False Positive". Not sure if I understood your post correctly, but a detection rate of 1 or 2 or 3 on Virus Total is not something to worry about. This assumes that 5 days to a week have passed since the file was first detected. You can check the details on VT to get the date for first detection. Usually it is the lesser-known AV engines that have these FPs.

 

[Dhruv2193]

Some adware can be malicious and can cause a spike in internet data being used. And when the it records user activity without his consent, then it becomes a spyware. Some may be detected as PUP and may/may not cause harm.

 

[conceptualclarity]

Seems to me like the concept of adware is rather elastic. Some vendors call IObit products adware because they try to get you to install other products. Some call a setup file adware if it tries to interest you in a bundled software from another company. (Usually these are second-rate products worth ignoring, but you'd be amazed at some of the reputable products I've seen offered in this fashion.) In both of these cases my attitude is "Heck, I can put up with this to get something for free." I'm not one of the younger generation, and I still marvel that in one area--computer software-- it is possible to go on a perfectly legal shopping spree gathering up lots of useful items for free.