Take a Close Look Before Downloading That Free App

So, you came across a free app online that seemed interesting, entertaining, or helpful, and you decided to download it. However, after you clicked the download button you immediately regretted your decision as it began to install browser toolbars, adware, and other annoying (and potentially dangerous) software onto your device. How can you keep this “crapware” from getting out of hand?

This kind of unwanted software usually populates on the user’s device after the fact, only making itself known once the user has installed their desired software, and accepted the terms of service. If you look closely at what you’re downloading, you might see a checkbox that says “Install (some unknown software or toolbar).” The employee in-the-know might choose to uncheck the box, but there are others so eager to get to their new software, that they forsake reading over the terms and services altogether, not caring what they’re agreeing to. This is the main way crapware spreads.

Furthermore, most of these programs are created to turn a profit. When these pieces of software are bundled with others, and unknowingly downloaded, the developer can claim as much as $150 per install. The worst part about this is that the developers aren’t doing anything wrong. Since the user is “agreeing” to download the program, there’s nothing that can be done. While this might be a questionable practice, there’s no denying that it’s quite lucrative, all at the expense of the user.

ZDNet recently reported that Google issues over 60 million warnings every week to keep users from installing dangerous software. Google claims that it issues at least three times more unwanted software warnings than malware warnings, which makes this a huge problem indeed. ZDNet cites a study designed to get to the bottom of these software “bundles” and better understand them. The study found that “59 percent of bundles are flagged by at least one antivirus engine as potentially unwanted, and that some packages are built not to install when the presence of antivirus has been detected.”

In fact, some of the adware installed is designed to display scam alerts, warning users to call a number to resolve a problem that’s not even an issue. You might see this when you’re using Google Chrome and a “system alert” pops up, demanding that you take action before it’s too late. These types of scams are somewhat similar to ransomware, as they take advantage of raw, unhinged fear to get individuals to fork over money.

Your agency needs to protect itself from viruses, malware, spyware, adware, and other types of online threats. A multi-faceted approach to network security, referred to as a Unified Threat Management (UTM) solution, includes a content filter, spam blocker, firewall, and antivirus solution, which are all optimized to keep potential threats out of your infrastructure.

To learn more, reach out to SMART Services at 586 258-0650 .

Let Smart Services position your agency for tomorrow’s technological challenges. For 25 years, Smart Services has helped agencies across the U.S. face a changing environment by providing innovative technology solutions that allow agencies to focus on growing their business. MyAgency Cloud, our complete cloud solution, covers all your technology needs in the cloud or at your agency. In today’s competitive environment, it’s time to make your agency technology a strategic asset, instead of a liability. Let us show you how. To learn more, please call our expert agency technology advisor at 586-258-0650.