Adaware, a product from cybersecurity firm Lavasoft, (formerly known as Ad-Aware) is designed to combat the types of rogue apps and privacy invasions of which the majority of users are not aware. This includes programs that track your browsing habits, programs that hijack the web page that opens your browser and applications that show annoying advertising at the most difficult times. This program is free and comes with several features that will boost your device’s security, and ensure it runs smoothly.
In our tests, adaware was able to detect the majority of malware we threw at it. It had trouble getting rid of some, however. The program does include numerous useful extras such as a privacy monitor a registry scanner, file shredder, and advanced monitoring of networks. It’s worth noting, however, that adaware can’t offer the same level of protection as the top antivirus tools in the industry.
The last time adaware was a participant in AV-Test lab tests, it managed to block only ninety five. 4% of 0-day threats and 97% of known threats. These aren’t bad numbers but they’re far from being far from the top security suites.
Adaware users seeking better performance should consider alternatives. We would recommend Kaspersky and Bitdefender, which are renowned for their reliability and performance in real-world tests. Some users may be disappointed that only customers of the Pro and Total plans have access to online customer and technical support. The company does offer a variety of information and frequently asked questions on its website.