Adware: Potentially Unwanted Applications

Adw ar e: Pot e n t i a l l y U n w a n t e d

APPLICATIONS

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ADWARE: Potentially Unwanted Applications Potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) - also referred to as potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) - is a term that is used to describe any program that the user has not chosen to install. PUA adware is considered to be a gray area in terms of its legality, depending greatly on the intention of the software and its developers.

Illegal Malicious Adware Malicious adware is a type of PUA that is illegal, as it profits from the distribution of malware such as viruses and spyware. This type of malware may be hidden within the adware, on the websites that it advertises, or in additional software, and the creators knowingly distribute it.

Legal Abusive Adware Designed to flood the user with excessive adverts, this type of adware is legal as it does not have malicious intent at its core.

Legal Deceptive Adware This form of PUA describes adware that has been designed to make it difficult for users to opt-out from installing third-party software. The software that is installed is harmless and this form of PUA is legal, as long as the creator has not included malware.

Designed to flood the user with excessive adverts, this type of adware is legal as it does not have malicious intent at its core.

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For further information about adware and to learn about AdsTerra malware protection, visit the AdsTerra blog.