Adware

The term adware is short for "advertising-supported software." It refers to any piece of software or application that displays advertisements, usually through pop-up or pop-under windows. Adware are classified under grayware. As such, they are not inherently malicious but invasive and annoying. They often arrive bundled with malware. They can connect to malicious websites and work with spyware to deliver targeted ads. Many free apps are adware, since ad revenue can be a source of profit for developers. Cybercriminals go the extra step to disguise adware apps as normal apps so people will download it and they can generate profit. The TOUCHNET adware app has even shown ads as notifications without revealing itself to prevent removal. Adware routines can weaken network connection and system performance. Such will be the result as the adware business model continues and more ads get pushed on user systems.