They monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and gather personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations, and other sensitive details). The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). Most PUAs (regardless of type) can track data. They operate by making alterations to browser settings and restricting/denying access to them to promote fake search engines. The promoted web searchers are usually unable to provide search results, and so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine sites. The delivered ads are more just than a minor annoyance, they pose a threat to device/user safety as well. Once clicked, intrusive ads redirect to hazardous sites and some can stealthily download/install software.īrowser hijackers are other PUAs.
Adware-types deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Some of these apps can force-open dubious and malicious websites. PUAs also have dangerous capabilities, which may be in varied combinations. In this way, users are scammed out of their money by buying worthless software.
These unwanted applications, which are typically promoted using such techniques, may seem normal and offer "useful" features, however, the promised functions are seldom operational.įake anti-virus tools are prime examples of this type of PUA - they require activation (i.e., purchase) to perform the advertised functionalities, yet after activation, they remain non-functional. While dubious distribution methods are used to promote legitimate products, they are more commonly employed to spread dubious and untrusted software (e.g., PUAs). What is the Driver Magic unwanted application?ĭriver Magic is untrusted software, endorsed as a tool capable of detecting outdated/missing drivers and installing/updating them, however, due to the dubious techniques used to proliferate Driver Magic, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).Īs well as their legitimate appearance, apps within this classification are nonoperational and can have undisclosed, harmful functionality.
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