Madware is a type of malicious software, sometimes referred to as malicious adware, that is primarily used to collect data from a compromised website. Unlike most malicious software, madware is often used to generate advertisement revenue for the attacker, rather than directly taking advantage of the victims’ systems.
Madware can be installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge and is usually installed using malicious advertisements, often referred to as “malvertising”. This type of software is commonly found on websites that have been infected by a malicious code, which can redirect the user to another website or page that is hosting the malicious code. When a user visits this page, the malicious code is used to install the madware onto their computer, without their knowledge.
Once installed, madware is used to collect data from the victim’s computer, such as web browsing history, search engine queries, and online activities. This data can then be sold to various third parties, or used to target advertisements based on the victim’s preferences and interests. In some cases, the data may also be used to send unsolicited emails or redirect users to other websites.
Madware can be difficult to detect and remove, since the code it uses is often hidden in legitimate files or websites. Removing madware requires specialized software and, in some cases, can be far more difficult than traditional malicious software removal. In addition, some madware can even install itself over again after it has been removed.
Madware is a growing problem in the Internet security world, and computer users must be aware of the risks that this type of malicious software poses. It is best to use an anti-virus or anti-malware program to detect and remove any madware that is installed on a computer. Additionally, computer users should be familiar with the warning signs of madware, such as slow internet speeds, unexpected pop-ups, and crashes.
