What is PUP? It is the abbreviation of "Potentially Unwanted Program" and is often used as subjective classification standards by security software and parental control tools. Now read this article by MiniTool for more information on PUP viruses.

What is PUP?

What exactly is PUP? It is a program that may be considered unnecessary by the user. Next, let's understand its definition and origin.

definition

What is the definition of PUP? PUP is the English abbreviation for "potentially unneeded programs", which may be installed without the user's knowledge or desire. PUP is also known as bundled software, junk software, or PUA (potentially no application required).

The term "potentially no program is needed" was first proposed by McAfee, a world-renowned computer security company. At that time, some marketing companies opposed their products being classified as "spyware", which could still cause interference even though they operated with the informed consent of users.

More and more open source software projects are dissatisfied with third-party websites because they bundle additional software into their download packages without authorization or knowledge from the project party. Almost every third-party platform that offers free downloads will include potentially harmful programs in its installation package.

Since most users rarely read the download agreement in full before clicking "I agree", this causes PUP to be automatically downloaded and installed on the user's computer.

PUP is usually of no practical use. For example, the browser toolbar not only occupies screen space, but may also track your browsing behavior and pop up ads, which will only slow down the system in most cases.

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origin

When did PUP originate? Historically, the first large companies to generate revenue with PUP appeared in the United States in the mid-2000s, such as Zango. With public attention and investigations by regulators, such behaviors have gradually decreased due to their invasive and harmful installation methods.

In Israel's software industry, a huge industry that promotes PUP profits is developing rapidly, and this area is often called the "Download Valley". These companies have developed a large number of download and installation tools, specializing in implanting unnecessary additional software into user systems.

How to avoid PUP virus?

After understanding the definition and background of PUP, we will provide some practical suggestions to help you effectively avoid PUP viruses.

1. Identify "Dark Mode"

"Dark Patterns" refers to interfaces designed to mislead users. For example, it is difficult to find the unsubscribe button on the news subscription page, or the website hides the customer service contact information, all of which fall into this category of design. Here are some common dark modes that need to be especially vigilant:

• Preset checkboxes checked (Tools like Unchecky can scan and cancel the default check options in third-party agreements, thus preventing PUP installation, but not overwrite all cases).
• Add unofficial “certification mark” to disguise credibility.
• Emphasize the recommended path (such as the "Skip" button is dim in color, while the "Next" button is bright and eye-catching).
• Intentionally misleading (hide free or low-priced option).

2. Read the installation guide tips carefully

PUP is often hidden in the installation wizard because its developers know that most users tend to skip steps to complete the installation quickly. To avoid being hit, please note:

• Check the information in the navigation bar at the top of the installation wizard and pay attention to unfamiliar program names.
• Do not select recommended installation modes such as "Standard", "Quick" or "Default", be sure to select "Custom Installation". While some installers label this option as "advanced", this is actually a misleading method. Custom installation is the key.

3. Read the End User License Agreement (EULA) carefully

EULA (End User License Agreement) is the standard end user license agreement when downloading all software, essentially a legal contract between you and the software developer. Since the content of the protocol is often filled with complex legal terms, most users will skip directly and click “I accept.” However, PUP developers take advantage of this to legally join the bundling program in EULA. To avoid such situations: Do not accept terms of use that include a bundled program .

4. Improve safety protection

While careful review of downloading is the best way to prevent PUP, cybersecurity software also provides strong support. Adding multiple layers of protection can help intercept PUP programs that take up a lot of memory resources. You may consider installing or downloading the following tools:

• Ad Blocker/Popt Blocker
• Counter-spyware
• Anti-malware

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