Adware.Gen

Adware.gen is a generic label commonly used by antivirus and anti-malware tools for threats displaying adware behavior that cannot be accurately identified. The associated file or program may contain code to display advertisements, attempt third-party extension installations, or discreetly transmit info about user's browsing activity to external servers when the infected device is online.

Overview

Adware.gen, also known as Adware.Generic, adware-gen [adw], and adware generic, is a malware with a distinct adware behavior, presenting a range of potential risks to users across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Antivirus and anti-malware tools commonly use the label Adware.gen for threats that display adware behavior but cannot be precisely identified. This threat is characterized by the intrusive display of ads, installation of extensions, and discreet transmission of marketing data to external servers when the infected device is connected to the internet.

The symptoms of Adware.gen infection include unwanted browser pop-ups, redirects to unfamiliar or potentially malicious websites, decreased browser performance, unauthorized changes to browser settings, increased network activity during internet browsing, the presence of unfamiliar browser extensions or toolbars, and excessive display of online advertisements even on non-advertising websites.

Adware.gen has multiple variants, often named adware.gen.[variant] or adware.generic.[variant], such as Adware.Generic, Generic Adware, Adware.Gen.A, Adware.Gen.B, Adware.Gen.C, Adware.Gen.D, Adware.Gen.E, Adware.Gen.F, Adware.Gen.G, Adware.Gen.H.

Sources of infection include downloading and installing infected software from untrusted sources, clicking on malicious online advertisements or deceptive links, visiting compromised or malicious websites, drive-by downloads from compromised websites, peer-to-peer file sharing of infected files, and unpatched security flaws in the operating system or installed software.

If you suspect your device is infected with Adware.Gen, take the following steps: run a full system scan using a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, identify and remove any detected Adware.Gen files or programs, reset web browsers to default settings to eliminate any unwanted extensions or changes, and monitor system activity for any persistent adware-related behavior.

To prevent Adware.Gen infections, follow these technical measures: keep your operating system and all software up to date with the latest security patches, use a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware with real-time protection, avoid downloading software from untrustworthy sources, and only install apps from official app stores, regularly scan your system for malware, especially if you notice unusual behavior.