Which statement best describes adware functionality?

Which statement best describes adware functionality?

• A. Reports user data to external sources.
• B. Displays pop-up ads and can increase CPU usage.
• C. Encrypts data for security.
• D. Blocks websites at the firewall.

Answer: (B)

Adware is software that mainly serves ads to the user. The statement that describes it best is that it displays pop-up ads and can increase CPU usage, since showing ads—especially pop-ups or banners—often requires the program to run ad code, which can consume processing power and slow the system. Encrypting data is a security function not tied to adware, and blocking websites at the firewall is a firewall task, not how adware typically operates. Some adware may collect data, but its defining feature is presenting advertisements.

Adware is software that mainly serves ads to the user. The statement that describes it best is that it displays pop-up ads and can increase CPU usage, since showing ads—especially pop-ups or banners—often requires the program to run ad code, which can consume processing power and slow the system. Encrypting data is a security function not tied to adware, and blocking websites at the firewall is a firewall task, not how adware typically operates. Some adware may collect data, but its defining feature is presenting advertisements.