• April 2, 2008

The latest PandaLabs IT security report found that adware caused nearly 30% of all malicious software-related computer infections from January to March 2008, making it the primary source of infections for the quarter.

Adware includes applications or programs that automatically display or download ads without user consent--and the problem is more than just a nuisance, according to Luis Corrons, technical director of Glendale, Calif.-based PandaLabs. "Besides being annoying, many variants can compromise the computer's security or performance, so users should take precautions," Corrons said.

--Tameka Kee