Facebook users should be aware that there is something called ‘Adware’ that might set up camp on their profiles. One Mashable writer discovered the big ad banner at the top of her profile, just beneath her information and profile picture.

Initially they thought the huge ad (measuring approximately 730 x 90 pixels) on Christine Erickson’s profile was the sign of things to come, fearing that Facebook was testing a new ad display unit. However, another writer for the tech site was more familiar with the situation and recognised the banner for what it was - Adware.

Facebook even have a dedicated page explaining what Adware is and how you can go about removing Adware from your profile if you discover a banner on there. The page also reiterates the social network’s policy on ad positions:

“Facebook ads will never appear as banners in the center, top or left column of Facebook web pages.”

But how would one of these Adware banners wind up on your profile in the first place? In the case of Mashable’s Christine Erickson, she believes it may have happened while uninstalling another extension on her desktop.

If you find that your profile has been the victim of Adware, then it’s best to follow Facebook’s instructions and remove it – chances are that leaving it there will cause Facebook pages to load more slowly and it may also compromise your security.