Types
of Adware: DeskAd
Adware programs are a
nuisance for several reasons. They begin
by distracting your computer activity by loading the screen with pop-up
advertisements. What has given it a bad
reputation is the tendency to install itself without user knowledge, monitor
and collect data without consent, and occasionally make alterations to a web
browser. In general, adware itself is
not malicious. However, some of these
programs have caused major problems, inflicting damage more severe than the
most dangerous virus. A perfect example
is an adware program by the name of Desktop.
Description of DeskAd
DeskAd is considered to
be malicious software, a destructive adware program that has infected several
homes users and many more businesses. It
is packaged as ad-supported software that provides targeted advertisements. It starts off in subtle fashion, functioning
in stealth mode to avoid detection. Over
time, it begins to seize control, making alterations to your web browser with
additional buttons, toolbars and links.
DeskAd has been known to redirect a user's web requests to other
locations on the internet, often sending them to sites compromised with
malware.
According to a recent
adware study, several administrators reported major network issues due to the
DeskAd program. It was reported that
this software creates keys in the victim's registry, enabling itself to be
launched every time the machine starts up. Similar to a worm or virus, DeskAd
replicates itself to further spread the infection. This function claims valuable memory and puts
major pressure on a computer's central processing unit.
Many administrators
claimed to have been infected via email attachment and noticed instant changes
to their browsers. Other reports
revealed much more severe consequences.
In one case, DeskAd infected an entire network, causing various machines
to crash. It was further reported that
the only way to remove the infection was to wipe the system clean and
completely reinstall Windows.
How to Avoid DeskAd
DeskAd is a very
dangerous form of adware, but it can be avoided.
Since it functions by taking advantage of vulnerabilities of your
operating system, it is critical to implement the proper security and follow a
strict protocol.
# 1 - Keep your
Windows security up to date: Though widely used, Microsoft Windows is one
of the most vulnerable systems on the market.
It does provide you with a few tools that should always be used. Be sure to keep your system current with
weekly updates. This can be done
directly from the Microsoft website where configurations can be made to receive
automatic updates.
# 2 - Install a
Firewall: Firewall applications are an essential part of any security
system these days. It will keep hackers
out of your system while tracking outbound communications, a feature that will
help to determine if you've been infected with adware.
# 3 - Install a
reliable spyware program: A program
such as DeskAd is so complex that it may go undetected by anti-virus
software. Because of this, your computer
should be protected by an anti-spyware scanner.
This type of program is built with the technology specifically designed
to detect and remove these stubborn infections.
