Picture this: you download a harmless-looking app, maybe a phone cleaner or a new browser, only to find your screen bombarded by ads. Irritating, to say the least. 

Adware, the kind of malware that turns your phone into an ad machine, increased a whopping 186% in the U.S. last quarter, according to the Gen Q3/2024 Threat Report. And it’s not just annoying—it’s also using your data, draining your battery, and collecting your personal information. 

This surge has caught the attention of our experts, especially as adware has become sneakier and better at avoiding detection. From fake “clean-up” tools to bogus browsers, these pesky ads aren’t just about annoying pop-ups—they’re after your data and even your money. 

First, what exactly is adware? 

Adware is sneaky malware that disguises itself as legitimate apps—often as games, utilities, or even performance boosters. Once you install it, adware hides in the background, launching ads on your screen or even inside other apps. While adware creators rake in profits from clicks and impressions, you’re left with an overwhelmed phone and a less secure device.  

In Q3/2024, adware in the U.S. has skyrocketed by 186%, with fake browsers and “clean-up” apps among the top culprits. 

What’s behind the adware spike in the U.S.? 

The increase in adware is largely due to malicious apps sneaking onto the Google Play Store. Creators of adware are constantly adapting their tricks to pass Google’s security checks, often hiding adware features until after you’ve downloaded the app. This strategy allows them to quietly flood your phone with ads while avoiding immediate detection.  

Fake browsers and phone-cleaning apps lead the way in this adware surge, promising to “optimize” your phone but delivering a relentless wave of ads instead. Once installed, these apps often make themselves difficult to delete, hiding icons or embedding deep into your phone’s system. So, even after you realize what’s going on, getting rid of them can be a headache. 

Adware is more than a multitude of ads 

At first, adware might just seem like an inconvenience, but here’s why it’s more than just a minor annoyance: 

• Data drain: Running all those ads quietly in the background eats up data, leaving you with bigger bills and less bandwidth for the things you actually want to use your phone for. 

• Battery suck: With constant ads running in the background, your phone’s battery can quickly drain, which is frustrating if you’re frequently on the go. 

• Privacy concerns: Many adware apps track your activity—what you search, what you download, even where you go. This data is then sold or used to target you with even more ads and scams.  

4 tips to avoid getting hit by adware 

With adware on the rise, it’s important to stay cautious. Here are a few precautions you can take to help you steer clear of this growing threat: 

• Be picky when downloading apps. Stick to reputable apps and read reviews before you download anything new. Watch out for complaints about intrusive ads or apps that are hard to remove.  

• Check app permissions. If a simple photo editor is asking for access to your location, contacts, or other private info, steer clear. Apps should only request permissions they truly need.  

• Use reliable security software. An antivirus app can block adware before it starts spamming your screen. Avast One can help flag suspicious behavior and remove adware if it sneaks onto your phone. 

• Always update. Keep your apps and operating system updated to get the latest security patches. Many adware apps exploit vulnerabilities that are already patched in newer versions. 

Keep adware out of your digital life 

Adware is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a sneaky way for scammers to turn your device into a cash machine for them. Staying one step ahead is all about being mindful of what you download and keeping your phone secure. So, next time you’re browsing for a new app, take a second look—it just might save your battery, data, and sanity. Stay safe!