Potentially unwanted applications (a.k.a. PUPs) are programs that are not malicious but may be unsuitable on company networks.

Some applications are non-malicious and possibly useful in the right context, but are not suitable for company networks. Examples are adware, dialers, non-malicious spyware, tools for administering PCs remotely, and hacking tools.

Certain anti-virus programs can detect such applications on users’ computers and report them. The administrator can then either authorize the applications for use or remove them from the computers.