PUP (noun) [Word Notes]

You're listening to the CyberWire Network, powered by N2K.

Today's sponsor, Rapid7, has an irresistible invitation for you SISOs and security practitioners out there.

A free, two-day virtual summit, the subject, preemptive security.

Join the Global Cybersecurity Summit on May 12th and 13th from wherever you like.

A-list speakers will show you how organizations are disrupting attacks before they can blow towards your day.

You'll see how Exposure Management, MDR, and AI together let you make the decisive move.

Registration is open at Rapid7.brighttalk.com.

The word is POP.

Spelled P for Potentially, U for Unwanted, and P for Programs.

Definition. A software program installed unintentionally by a user that typically performs tasks

not asked for by the installer.

Example Sentence. When Kevin installed at Cool New Game, he didn't know that he was also installing a POP.

Origin and Context. Pups aren't inherently malicious, but may have unwanted or undesirable effects,

which could include adware, browser extensions, and toolbars, and software that collects information.

Pups are frequently bundled into the installation process of a legitimate software program that the user intended to download.

Malware bites explains that Pups are distinguished from malware,

because the user technically consents to downloading them in the same sense that someone can agree to a privacy policy without actually reading it.

However, Pups can perform some of the same actions as malware.

YouTuber Bright Tech notes that Microsoft now blocks low reputation applications associated with Pups by default in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Nerd Reference. Sydney Butler is a writer and YouTube broadcaster for the Online Tech Tips magazine.

He had this to say about potentially unwanted programs.

Despite his cute name, having a POP on your computer isn't fun.

Potentially unwanted programs, also known as PUAs or potentially unwanted apps, try to find line between being an annoyance and straight up malware.

But anything installed on your computer without your express knowledge is a problem.

In general, a POP is any piece of software that gets installed on your computer without your knowledge.

It does something you don't know about, even if you did install it knowingly, and generally makes changes or takes an action you wouldn't want.

This makes Pups different from malicious software, such as Trojan's viruses or ransomware.

Typically, the installation process for the other software will use an opt-in approach, where the option to install the POP is already ticked on the installation wizard.

Sneaky sneaky.

This relies on users simply clicking next, next, next until the installation completes instead of reading the fine print.

Next thing you know, there's a brand new POP on your system, making your life miserable in some annoying way.

Word notes is written by Tim Nodar, executive produced by Peter Kilping and edited by John Petrick and me Rick Howard.

The mixed sound design and original music have all been crafted by the ridiculously talented Elliott Peltzman.

Thanks for listening.

And now a word from our sponsor, the Center for Cyber Health and Hazard Strategies, also known as CHHS.

Looking for a graduate degree that will give you an edge on your professional career?

Earn a Master of Science in Law at University of Maryland Carey School of Law.

This part-time two-year online graduate degree program is designed for experienced professionals to understand laws and policies that impact your industry.

Learn from CHHS faculty, who are experts in their field.

No GRE required, learn how you can master the law without a JD at law.umeraland.edu.