PUP

Acronym for potentially unwanted program

PUP or PUPs is a term used to describe unwanted programs such as Trojans, spyware and adware, along with other malware which may compromise your privacy. Some antivirus and PC security software packages, like McAfee VirusScan, will scan for and protect your system against PUPs. The term PUP was first used by persons at McAfee’s Avert research lab to avoid any legal issues that may arise from calling these types of applications “spyware”.

Vangie Beal
Vangie Beal
Vangie Beal is a freelance business and technology writer covering Internet technologies and online business since the late '90s.

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