Countering adverts

I use a combination of Bitdefender and Malwarebytes Light for virus protection. These together with Adblock Plus help to keep adverts within manageable proportions - on my PC.

With my Android S51 mobile it is another matter. There are times, many, when going online via Google any text is outgunned by adverts. This gets to a point where it goes beyond giving (Sky & co) advertisers a return for their sponsorship. I believe I read somewhere that ad prevention with mobiles is more difficult than with PC's. Does software exist which does not clash with one's AV protection but which can still keep mobile ads in check?

Edited by Chris Cosgrove, 22 February 2024 - 07:40 PM.
Moved from V&M to General Security

Hi:

AFAIK there is no legit application called "Malwarebytes Light" for PCs.

Are you referring to Malwarebytes Free?
If so, that is just an on-demand scanner to remove malware that's already on your system.
For real-time protection, you need the paid Malwarebytes Premium, +/- Malwarebytes Browser Guard

Having said that, there *are* similar apps & browser extensions for Android mobile devices.
And having said that, practicing "safe hex" is the best way to run a clean device.
Loading up either your PC or your mobile device with lots of "security" apps will eventually lead to degraded performance.

Yes I should have said MWB Free.
I was told that the real time protection from the paid Premium version would conflict with the same from Bitdefender - which should cover my mobile also.
This still leaves a gap through which a huge amount of ads get through and which I would pay if necessary to block

Unlock origin and adguard are good.

This still leaves a gap through which a huge amount of ads get through and which I would pay if necessary to block

That is why I refuse for the most part to use my phone as a computer.

Depending on the browser, some can add adblockers.

For "free" services, try the public adguard DNS, and uBlock Origin on Firefox.  When you enable enough filters on Firefox, it's pretty much ad-free.  There will be ads on other apps, including Google Chrome, but I find it manageable.  OTH, I don't generally serf with the mobile, only use it for bathroom readings.

....There are times, many, when going online via Google any text is outgunned by adverts...

Stop using Google...it is not your friend. There are better alternative search engines like Brave or DuckDuckGo.

 

I'm sure you're right.  Google is unfortunately an addiction. May be I can wean myself onto something more healthy as you suggest, most of which are new to me.

 

I'm looking at Unlock Origin and Adguard to use with Chrome.

I personally use and recommend the Brave Browser which has been around since 2016.
 
Brave does its own indexing, is 100% independent, does not collect user data, does not track search queries, allows anonymous searching and provides more protection.

• About Brave <- scroll down and read the Online privacy by default: Brave vs. other browsers.
• Brave Features
• Search without a trace

I suppose there is the security / privacy aspect alongside how good/efficient the software is at searching.  I don't know if there is a trade-off?

No harm in trying Brave based on your recommendation.

Correct...no harm in giving Brave a try.
 
In comparison, Google uses artificial intelligence-powered search result customization, biased algorithms, manipulates (changes) search results, interferes with search algorithms and collects user data.

• Measuring the "Filter Bubble": How Google is influencing what you click
• Does Google Manipulate Your Search Results?
• How Google Interferes With Its Search Algorithms and Changes Your Results
• Google reportedly manipulates search results to hide controversial subjects and favor big business
• Google Manipulates Search Results, Former Engineer Confirms

I take it that Brave would work equally well on my Samsung Android which seems to be affected by ads more than my PC? I often follow world events on Sky News where I'm sure there's a not-so hidden agenda to get readers saturated with ad-distractions

I use Brave on my Samsung with DuckDuckGo as a backup primarily for reading. You will encounter ads depending on the website itself no matter what browser is used. However, I have found that if registered on many websites as a regular user (member) eliminates a lot of ads.

I use adgaurd on my phone and here is how I got the application

https://www.stacksocial.com/sales/adguard-personal-plan-lifetime-subscription

Adguard in action