Potentially unwanted applications

CleanMyMac identifies not only malware but also applications that may pose cybersecurity, privacy, or performance risks. Special attention is given to applications that are widely recognized as potentially unwanted.

Unlike malware, potentially unwanted applications (PUA), also known as potentially unwanted programs, are often installed intentionally and may provide legitimate features.

However, some may include hidden features or behaviors intended to track user activity, modify browser settings, alter search results, or perform other unwanted actions.

During analysis, applications are evaluated against established patterns of unwanted software behavior. Applications that exhibit deceptive behavior or include potentially unsafe features may be identified as threats.

The following patterns may indicate potentially unwanted software:

• Showing undesired, intrusive, or offensive advertisements

• Collecting or sharing private data

• Performing actions beyond the app's stated features

• Using improper installation or uninstallation practices

For more information, refer to the Detailed criteria of identifying PUA.

These criteria are continuously reviewed and refined to improve the accuracy of threat analysis and detection. However, no classification system is perfect, and false positives may occur. If an application is believed to have been incorrectly classified as unwanted or malicious, contact our Support Team and provide relevant information for review.

CleanMyMac considers an application potentially unwanted if it meets any of the following criteria.

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• Displaying advertisements that interrupt work and cause annoyance when shown without consent. Advertisements may appear in separate windows, pop-ups, overlays, system alerts, dialogs, or other forms.

• Preventing advertisements from being closed or displaying additional advertisements after one is dismissed.

• Presenting information that exaggerates the software's capabilities or doesn't match the app's stated features.

• Displaying advertisement content that's deceptive, abusive, or intentionally misleading.

Privacy

• Collecting or transmitting personal data without consent or in violation of applicable data protection laws.

• Personal data may include personally identifiable information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, or places of residence, as well as other privacy-sensitive information, including credentials, biometric data, or payment details.

• Requesting unnecessary personal information before installation.

Unwanted behavior

• Using or modifying third-party apps or processes on a computer, including downloading, installing, running, hiding, disabling, or changing settings without a clear user expectation.

• Requesting system permissions unrelated to the app's intended features.

• Modifying system, user, or security settings, or changing settings in unrelated applications without a clear reason.

• Negatively affecting system performance, system reliability, network performance, or the overall user experience.

• Modifying browser settings, such as changing the default search provider or homepage, or installing extensions, add-ons, toolbars, or helper components without consent.

• Using aggressive or deceptive distribution methods or high-pressure sales techniques.

• Using text or visual content intended to scare, pressure, or mislead users.

• Failing to meet reasonable expectations regarding the app's stated features.

• Introducing features or behavior through updates that differ significantly from what was originally described or expected.

Installation and uninstallation

• Missing or unclear licensing and legal documentation. This may include software licenses, EULAs, ownership information, or related policies.

• Installing to an unexpected location.

• Installing additional applications or bundled software without consent.

• Installing components that can't be removed through standard uninstallation methods.

Potentially unwanted applications are reported so that informed decisions can be made about whether to keep or remove them. Because new forms of potentially unwanted applications continue to emerge, the list above isn't exhaustive. The criteria may be updated over time to reflect new threats and evolving software practices. Every effort is made to keep the information above current.