Because I work in IT, I spend a lot of time browsing the internet. In all that time, I come across a lot of ads. Although I don’t exactly like ads, I don’t have a problem with them in general (they often pay to keep websites free!). However, there is a category of ads that I really dislike; deceptive ads that are just designed to get clicks. Not only are they annoying when you click one on accident, but they are often the source for all sorts of malware. Below is the download page for a popular antivirus tool.
You’ll notice there are two download buttons. The bottom one is the actual download link for the software. Above that, there is an ad box for some other software I don’t want, but it is cleverly disguised to make me think that is the software I was looking for! This is not an isolated incident. I see this on almost every website it seems. Thankfully, there is a solution.
Enter Adblock! There are several browser extensions that will block Ads on webpages so all you see is the actual page, but none of the ad boxes. My favorite one is called “Adblock Plus”. It is a free extension for Google Chrome that removes ads from websites.
On the surface, this just seems like it is fixing an annoyance, but because a lot of these tricky ads contain malware, it may also save you from a virus!
Michael Richardson – I’m an IT Systems Analyst / Project Manager for Midwest Data Center, a former IT Salesman, and a Youth Pastor at my local church. I live in Maryville, MO and I enjoy learning and implementing new technologies for businesses, solving problems and puzzles, and teaching about my faith.