PUP/PUA Information

What are PUPs and PUAs?

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) and Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) are software that may not be explicitly malicious but can negatively impact your computer's performance, privacy, or security. These programs often come bundled with legitimate software and may be installed without your full knowledge or consent.

While PUPs/PUAs are not viruses or malware in the traditional sense, they can:

• Slow down your computer
• Display unwanted advertisements
• Change your browser settings
• Collect and share your browsing data
• Install additional unwanted software

Common Types of PUPs/PUAs

Adware

Software that displays unwanted advertisements, often in the form of pop-ups, banners, or injected ads on websites you visit.

Browser Toolbars and Extensions

Add-ons that modify your browser's functionality, often changing your default search engine, homepage, or new tab page.

System Optimizers

Programs that claim to improve your computer's performance but may exaggerate issues or charge for fixes that are unnecessary.

Bundleware

Additional software that is installed alongside the program you actually wanted to download, often through pre-checked boxes in installation wizards.

How Antivirus Sniper Handles PUPs/PUAs

Antivirus Sniper is designed to detect and remove PUPs/PUAs to keep your Mac running smoothly and securely. Our approach includes:

• Detection: We identify PUPs/PUAs based on their behavior, installation methods, and reputation.
• Notification: When a PUP/PUA is detected, we alert you and provide information about the potential risks.
• Removal: We offer options to safely remove these unwanted programs from your system.
• Prevention: Our real-time protection helps prevent PUPs/PUAs from being installed in the first place.

How to Avoid PUPs/PUAs

To minimize the risk of installing PUPs/PUAs on your computer, follow these best practices:

• Download software only from official websites or trusted sources
• Read installation screens carefully and choose custom installation when available
• Uncheck boxes for additional software or toolbars during installation
• Keep your operating system and applications up to date
• Use a reputable security solution like Antivirus Sniper that can detect and block PUPs/PUAs
• Be cautious of "free" software that seems too good to be true

False Positives

Sometimes, legitimate software may be flagged as a PUP/PUA due to installation methods or behaviors that are similar to those of unwanted programs. If you believe that Antivirus Sniper has incorrectly identified a program as a PUP/PUA, you can:

1. Report the false positive to our support team
2. Add the program to the exclusion list in Antivirus Sniper settings
3. Restore the quarantined item if you're confident it's safe

Need Help?

If you have questions about PUPs/PUAs or need assistance with Antivirus Sniper, please contact our support team:

If you have any questions or need assistance, please visit our contact page.