Virus Encyclopedia

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AdBlock

Threat LevelLow threat
DamageHigh
DistributionNot widespread
Common name:AdBlock
Technical name:Adware/AdBlock
Threat level:Low
Alias:Linkz.com
Type:Spyware
Subtype: Adware
Effects: It collects information on Internet usage and the applications installed in the computer and uses it to display pop-up advertisements.
Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:Aug. 16, 2005
Detection updated on:Oct. 26, 2005
StatisticsNo
Proactive protection:
Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description

Adware refers to programs that display advertising using any means: pop-ups, banners, changes to the browser home page or search page, etc. The advertisements could be associated with the products or services offered by the creator of the program or by third-parties.

Adware can be installed in a number of ways, on some occasions without users' consent, and either with or without users' knowledge of its function.

It affects productivity, preventing tasks from being carried out:

  • In the affected computer: it displays pop-up windows.

AdBlock does not spread automatically using its own means. It needs an attacking user's intervention in order to reach the affected computer. The means of transmission used include, among others, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, email messages with attached files, Internet downloads, FTP, IRC channels, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks, etc.