PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program)

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) are software applications that users may inadvertently download or install on their systems. Unlike malicious software (malware), PUPs typically do not cause direct harm to the system. However, they often exhibit unwanted or undesirable behaviour that can compromise user privacy, system performance, and overall user experience. PUPs may include adware, browser hijackers, toolbars, and other software that may not be inherently harmful but can be intrusive or unwanted. Understanding PUPs is crucial for maintaining system security and protecting against potential risks.

How PUP works

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) exploit various tactics to access users' systems and execute their functions. Here's how they typically work: 

1. Bundling: PUPs often piggyback on legitimate software downloads, hiding within the installation packages as optional components. Users may inadvertently install PUPs when they rush through the installation process without carefully reviewing the prompts.

2. Deceptive Advertising: PUPs may also be distributed through deceptive advertising tactics, such as fake download buttons or misleading pop-up ads. Unsuspecting users may click on these ads, unknowingly triggering the download and installation of PUPs.

3. Social Engineering: Some PUPs utilise social engineering techniques to trick users into installing them voluntarily. They may masquerade as valuable or desirable software, promising benefits such as enhanced browsing experience or system optimisation. However, once installed, they may exhibit unwanted behaviour.

4. Persistence: Once installed, PUPs often employ tactics to ensure their persistence on the system, making them challenging to remove. They may create registry entries, install browser extensions, or modify system settings to ensure they continue running in the background.

5. Undesirable Behaviour: PUPs may exhibit undesirable behaviours, such as displaying intrusive advertisements, redirecting web browser traffic to sponsored sites, or collecting user data without consent. While not inherently malicious, these actions can significantly degrade user experience and compromise privacy.

Understanding how PUPs operate is essential for users to adopt proactive measures to detect, prevent, and remove them from their systems effectively.

How to find PUPs

Detecting Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) on your system is crucial for maintaining its security and ensuring a smooth user experience. Here are some effective methods to identify and locate PUPs:

1. Use Antivirus/Antimalware Software: Employ antivirus or antimalware software with PUP detection capabilities. Perform regular system scans to identify and quarantine any PUPs on your system. Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date to detect the latest PUP threats.

2. Monitor System Performance: Monitor your system's performance for any signs of unusual behaviour. Symptoms such as sudden slowdowns, increased CPU or memory usage, or frequent crashes may indicate the presence of PUPs or other unwanted software.

3. Check Installed Programs: Review your system's installed programs regularly. Look for unfamiliar or suspicious entries that you need to remember to install. PUPs often disguise themselves as legitimate software and carefully scrutinise the list.

4. Inspect Browser Extensions: Examine the extensions installed in your web browser(s). Remove any extensions you did not intentionally install or exhibit suspicious behaviour, such as causing unwanted pop-up ads or redirecting your browsing activity.

5. Read End User License Agreements (EULAs): When installing new software, carefully read the End User License Agreement (EULA). Some PUPs may be disclosed in the EULA as optional components bundled with the leading software. Decline the installation of any additional software that you do not want or need. 

By employing these methods, you can effectively identify and locate Potentially Unwanted Programs on your system, enabling you to take appropriate action to remove them and mitigate any potential risks they pose.

Examples of PUP

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) encompass a wide range of software that may exhibit undesirable behaviour on users' systems. While not inherently malicious, these programs can compromise user privacy, system performance, and overall user experience. Here are some common examples of PUPs:

• Adware: Adware programs display intrusive advertisements, such as pop-up ads, banners, or sponsored links, often within web browsers. These ads can disrupt browsing activities, slow the system, and lead to accidental clicks on potentially harmful links.

• Browser Hijackers: Browser hijackers modify web browser settings without users' consent, redirecting their web traffic to unwanted websites. They may change the default search engine, homepage, or new tab page, leading users to unfamiliar or potentially malicious sites.

• Toolbars: Browser toolbars are additional bars within web browsers, offering quick access to certain features or functionalities. However, some toolbars may be classified as PUPs if they are installed without users' explicit consent or if they exhibit unwanted behaviour, such as injecting advertisements or tracking user activities.

• System Optimizers: Some system optimisers claim to enhance system performance by cleaning up junk files, fixing registry errors, or optimising system settings. However, many of these programs may be classified as PUPs due to their aggressive marketing tactics, exaggerated claims, or tendency to perform unnecessary or harmful actions on users' systems.

• File downloaders are programs designed to facilitate downloading files from the Internet. While many file downloaders are legitimate tools, some may be classified as PUPs if they bundle additional software or display deceptive ads during installation.

• PC Cleanup Utilities: PC cleanup utilities promise to clean up users' systems by removing unnecessary files, optimising system performance, or fixing registry errors. However, some of these utilities may be classified as PUPs if they employ scare tactics to convince users to purchase the full version or perform unnecessary or harmful actions on users' systems.

How to prevent PUP

Preventing Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) from infiltrating your system is crucial for maintaining its security and protecting your privacy. Here are effective strategies to prevent the installation of PUPs:

• Be Selective with Downloads: Only download software from reputable sources, such as official websites or trusted app stores. Avoid downloading software from third-party sites or unreliable sources, as they may bundle PUPs with legitimate downloads.

• Read Installation Prompts Carefully: Closely to the installation prompts when installing new software. Decline any additional offers or bundled software you do not want or need. Review the terms of service and End User License Agreement (EULA) to identify any potential PUPs included in the installation package.

• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system and software applications to patch security vulnerabilities and ensure protection against known PUPs. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to receive timely security patches and updates.

• Use Security Software: Install reputable antivirus or antimalware software with PUP detection capabilities. Keep the security software up-to-date and perform regular system scans to detect and remove any PUPs on your system.

• Exercise Caution Online: Be cautious when clicking on links, ads, or pop-ups while browsing the internet. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads that offer free downloads, prizes, or other enticing offers, as they may lead to the accidental installation of PUPs.

PUP vs PUM

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) and Potentially Unwanted Modifications (PUMs) are two types of cybersecurity threats that users may encounter, but they differ in their nature and impact: 

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)

• PUPs are software applications that users may inadvertently download or install on their systems.

• Examples of PUPs include adware, browser hijackers, toolbars, and other software that may exhibit undesirable behaviour.

• PUPs often compromise user privacy, system performance, and overall user experience by displaying intrusive advertisements, modifying browser settings, or collecting user data without consent.

Potentially Unwanted Modifications (PUMs)

• PUMs refer to unauthorised system settings or configuration changes, often by malware or malicious software.

• PUMs can manifest as alterations to registry entries, browser settings, startup programs, or other critical system configurations.

• Unlike PUPs, which are standalone programs, PUMs typically involve modifications to existing system settings rather than installing new software.

• PUMs may lead to system instability, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues, as they can interfere with the system's regular operation.