What distinguishes adware from other types of malware?

Adware is primarily characterized by its function of automatically delivering advertisements to users, which directly distinguishes it from other types of malware. Unlike more harmful malware that aims to disrupt system performance, steal sensitive data, or replicate itself to cause damage, adware focuses on generating revenue through advertising. It typically displays unwanted ads or redirects users to ad-centric websites without their explicit consent. This business model usually leverages tracking cookies and user behavior to tailor advertisements, thereby maximizing its effectiveness in generating clicks and views.

The focus of adware on advertisement delivery aligns both with its operational goals and its impact on user experience, making it a unique type of software compared to the other forms of malware, which might prioritize malicious intent such as theft or system compromise.