Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What type of malware displays advertisements while the user browses the internet?

1. Trojan Horse

2. Adware

3. Ransomware

4. Spyware

The correct answer is: Adware

Adware is a type of malware specifically designed to display advertisements to users as they browse the internet. Its primary function is to generate revenue for its creator by pushing ads to users, which can come in various forms such as pop-ups, banners, or in-text ads. Users might often install adware unknowingly when they download software that bundles it with the primary application. Although some adware may be relatively benign, others can track user behavior and degrade performance by overly filling the browsing experience with unwanted advertisements. In contrast, Trojan horses disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users into installing them, but their main goal is not to display ads. Ransomware focuses on encrypting a user's data and demanding payment to restore access, and spyware is designed to secretly monitor and collect user information without consent. Understanding the purpose and behavior of these different types of malware helps in recognizing potential threats and taking appropriate measures to safeguard against them.