Archives - Pop-up Ads


Avoid downloading anything you didn’t explicitly seek out

When you’re browsing the web, you might be tempted by a pop-up ad to install some kind of program, usually a security one. But to be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid downloading any programs you weren’t actually looking for. This will help keep you away from any suspicious software that, even if […]

If a web page fails to function, try disabling your pop-up blocker

Pop-up blockers are generally safe to use and can prevent you from seeing advertisements — but they can also prevent some pages from loading properly, especially if the site is trying to load a pop-up that you actually want to see. This is often the case if you click a link and nothing happens, though […]

Beware of hijacking ads on mobile devices

Ads designed for mobile devices can be assertive and disrupting. For example, you might be loading a page in a browser only to see a message telling you you’ve won a prize and then sending you to a different page. Never click on anything these ads show you. To avoid them entirely, it might be […]

Try blocking pop-up advertisements

Pop-up blockers disable windows that could possibly contain malicious code. If you’re on the internet and a message pops up saying that your computer is infected with a virus, don’t click on it. Though it’ll claim to be the solution, it’s the problem. Most modern browsers have a feature that you can enable to block […]

Use a pop-up blocker

Pop-ups aren’t just annoying; they can potentially contain malware that will download if you click on them. Virtually all major browsers either have pop-up blocking built-in or have easily downloadable extensions that block pop-ups. Whatever browser you’re using, make sure you’re using a pop-up blocker. However, it’s not necessary to use it for sites you’re […]

Disregard security “alerts” in pop-up ads

Some websites feature insistent advertising and tracking mechanisms. It’s common to see ads for free antivirus software and system scans, as well as warnings that your device has been compromised and requires immediate action, like calling a certain number. These schemes are regularly scams and should be disregarded.