What is adware designed to do?

Adware is specifically designed to display unwanted advertisements to users. When installed on a device, it typically generates pop-ups and banners or embeds ads within web pages, often in such a way that disrupts the user experience. The primary purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its creators by directing users to affiliated websites or increasing the visibility of certain products. While some adware may track user behavior to tailor ads more effectively, its main functionality revolves around cluttering the screen with advertisements, which distinguishes it from more harmful types of malware like those that steal personal information or encrypt files. Understanding the primary goal of adware helps users recognize its impact on their devices and the importance of using protective measures such as ad blockers or thorough antivirus software.