Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) is unwanted software that gets installed on your computer system, usually without your knowledge.PUPs include spyware, ransomware, adware, and many more, and are often downloaded along with the software that you want. In this article, we will get to know about what they do, what types of it, and how to remove it.

What is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)?

“Potentially Unwanted Programs” or PUPs refer to software that users may that a user might not want on their computer, even if they consented to its installation at some point. This software acts as adware or spyware PUPs can cause hidden threats like annoying display ads, slowing down your operating device, getting personal data, monitoring keystrokes, and sending it to attackers. these files are often downloaded along with a program the user wants. Most importantly it can create serious privacy and security risks and other problems in your system.

What Do PUPs do?

PUPs are bundled software that are downloaded and installed along with software applications. PUPs) engage in a variety of activities that, while not malicious in the normal, can be disruptive, annoying, or even harmful to your computer’s performance. In the internet market, there are many fake antivirus software that display false warnings to purchase the full version to remove non-existent threats, or there are many file-sharing applications that come bundled with other software that may cause some hidden threats to lurk in your system.

• Displaying Ads in Bulk: PUPs often attract people by displaying pop-ups, banners, and links to download free software. Adware is one of the applications in this category. It displays many advertisements in pop-up windows and is designed this in a tricky way, so that users can click and redirect to attackers webpage. Sometimes the amount of advertising becomes so much that it causes frustration and annoyance.

• Browser Hijacking: Some PUPs or PUAs claim to optimize system performance, or disguise themselves as system security software so that we install them. But it can change your browser settings, search engine, or home page without our concerns. Moreover, it collects our browser data and online history and sells to the online advertiser.

• Reduced system storage: As you already know, these files are downloaded without our concern and maybe by our little mistake. So, that, these files are launching and performing whatever function it was programmed to run, the PUP takes the system resources, potentially slowing down the user’s computer.

• Interfere with software: By generating frequent pop-ups, and creating unnecessary toolbars, PUPs can interfere with software that can cause conflicts and potentially lead to system instability.

• Tracking your online activity: Many PUPs collect data about your online activity, such as browsing history, search queries, and clicks. In addition, Some PUPs monitor every keystroke. This is very dangerous. because, it can save your username password, and important numbers. And, at last, This information is often sold to third-party advertisers, resulting in targeted advertising and potential privacy issues.

Types of PUPs (Malicious software)

Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) come in many forms, each with its specific behaviors and characteristics. PUPs files with various types of software that cause varying amounts of harm to the user. Here are some examples and types;

• Adware: Adware is any software application that contains an advertising banner or other advertising content that is displayed during a program. The main motto of this adware software is to generate revenue for its creators, and developers by displaying ads, often in the form of pop-ups, or banner ads.

• Spyware: Spyware is malware that attacks a device to steal sensitive data and track internet usage. While installing any software, Spyware malware is injected into your PC and tracks every only and offline activity. The most dangerous thing, it collects your sensitive data, monitors your keystrokes, and captures your passwords, browsing habits, search history, and other online behavior. After stealing all of your information, it sells to the targeted advertising community or in dark web.

• Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your important files and then goes to the attacker. Next, while you want to see these files, attackers demand money in exchange for the decryption key for opening those files. This malware can cause you to lose access to your files, and compromise your privacy and security.

• Junkware: Junkware is a somewhat catch-all term that covers unwanted or unnecessary programs on your computer. Junkware is not harmful but can add vulnerabilities to a system through which malware can enter. It reduces productivity, slowing down your operating system.

How do you Remove PUPs?

PUPs can be difficult to remove, users can try to remove them automatically using antimalware programs or manually. As I said before PUP files can’t legally be called malware, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t potentially dangerous files that can be a threat to your browsing experience and risk compromising your data.

You should use anti-malware and anti-virus software and tools to rectify those files by scanning your system OR you can do manually. Here’s a step-by-step processor doing this:

1. Uninstall Software Programs Manually

Windows:

First Open the Control Panel on the Windows machine Click on “Programs and Features” or “Uninstall a program.”Here you can see a list of installed programs for any suspicious or unwanted software. Select them manually and click “Uninstall.”

Linux:

Use this command;

sudo dnf remove <package_name>
sudo apt-get clean

Mac:

First Open Finder, then Select “Applications”. After that, Look for any suspicious applications, drag them to the Trash, and empty the Trash.

2. Use Antivirus or Anti-Malware Software

Make sure you have a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program installed and updated. Most Trusted Paid Antimalware programs such are Malwarebytes, Quick Heal, K7, and Zemana Antimalware can detect and remove those PUP files and unnecessary files from your system.

3. Remove Browser Extensions and Browser Reset Settings

In every Popler browser like Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, there will be options for Extension. So, go Extension setting and remove unwanted Browser Extension, and the Most recommended is to reset the Browser and Extension Settings. By doing these, if any normal unwanted files or malware are there, they will be deleted.

How do we Avoid Potentially Unwanted Programs?

As a Techy expert, I can not guarantee any methods not to download PUP files, because, it downloaded automatically in somehow in some cases. But, I can give you some key steps that can prevent your system from PUP files while downloading any software.

Download from Official Sources

On the internet, there are various sources where you can download the software without paying for the software or can download the cracked version of it. It is strongly recommend for not using it, Always try to download software and applications from the official source of the software and Trusted Software Marketplace. Using an unofficial site means, you are automatically going to damage your targetted software or system, it bundles PUPs files software.

Read the Installation Agreement Carefully

Carefully read through EULAs (End User License Agreements). EULA is the end-user license agreement that comes standard with any download software. This license is very important, it is the agreement between the software developer ad and the programs. Just like me, maybe most people, do not read this and during installation, everyone clicks on the “I accept” button. That’s why, from using your permission, you don’t care, after installing the software, there are many PUP files appear on your system.

Healthy Mistrust

Many potentially unwanted applications claim and promise to optimize your system to speed up Internet access and system program. But, it can not. I remember, when I was new in the tech field, I downloaded various types of software from many third-party sites, just like seeing titles such as “Boost your internet speed 3x”, and “Clean and Boost your PC”, this is all used less. Instead of fixing those issues, this PUPS software also slows down my PC.

Recognize Dark Patterns and Fully Avoid Unethical Trick

While working with various types of software, you have to rectify these patterns to avoid the trickiness of third-party or unauthorized software. These Dark Patterns are user interfaces designed to intentionally confuse people to move forward their way.

Especially, in news-based sites or in a software marketplace site, while you visit the site, you are asked to fill out the newsletter and give them your contact information, sometimes it is good or sometimes bad. In addition, you will also see to subscribe notification alert, But, the fact is, when you want to avoid it, you can not see the unsubscribe or cross button.

Here are some examples of dark patterns:

• Adding an unofficial “seal” as a credibility indicator
• Pre-filled checkboxes
• Misdirection (hiding free or cheaper options).
• Showing the Skip Buttom in grey color, and displaying the Next Button in Green or Blue color.

Are PUPs a Malware?

Directly, I can not say, PUP files are malware and dangerous harmful files. It seems to be like malware, but not exactly with viruses. These can cause the problem while downloading software. Mainly, PUP files come from the licensed application and free software downloading time, sometimes, they contain useless data and unnecessary tools, automatically. PUP files do not affect your internal system, though they slow down your system and get extra storage. On the other hand, Malware is malicious software that enters a device without permission to hijack your system.

Conclusion

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) are a pervasive issue that can undermine the performance and security of your computer. While they are not inherently malicious like viruses or malware, but can, degrade system efficiency, and invade your privacy. I hope. from this in-depth guide, you have completely learned about this PUPs Computer Term. By staying informed and cautious, you can minimize the impact of PUPs and maintain a healthy, efficient environment in your computer system.

Frequently Asked Questions on Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) -FAQs

How do PUPs get installed on my computer?

PUPs typically get installed through bundled software. During the installation desired software, including PUPs, and many other unnecessary files may be included and installed unless the user opts out during the process.

Is it safe to delete PUP files?

Yes, it is generally safe to delete potentially unwanted program (PUP) files. Removing PUPs can improve your computer’s performance, guarantee your privacy and security, and prevent unwanted behavior such as intrusive ads or data collection.

Can PUPs affect mobile devices?

Yes, PUPs can also affect mobile devices. Similar to computers, they often come bundled with other apps or are installed through deceptive ads. Use the same caution when installing apps on your mobile device and consider using security apps to detect and remove PUPs.

How do I remove a PUP from my computer?

To remove a PUP, here are the quickstep solution;

• Use your computer’s built-in uninstallation feature to remove unwanted programs.
• Run a scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool to detect and remove PUPs.
• Manually check and remove any unfamiliar browser extensions or toolbars.