Riskware definition
Riskwareis legitimate software that has the potential toturn malicious and become a threat to your cybersecurity.
Has your device everbegun to overheat or perform slowly after downloading an app that appearedtrustworthy? Even legitimate software, like riskware, has the potential to turnmalicious and threaten your cybersecurity.
It’s possible todownload riskware without realizing it is vulnerable tomalwareor violates the laws of your country.
Since riskware can takethe form of trustworthy software, it can be difficult to know which programs toavoid. Read our guide to learn how to spot, remove, and prevent riskwarethreats.
How riskware works
Unlike malware,riskware is not always created withmalicious intent. It is sincerely legitimate software, butsoftware that can pose a risk to devices and users, be it via tracking useractivity or unknowingly abusing the privacy agreements.
For example, softwareat risk of violating service agreements or the law becomes identified asriskware because it can leak user data to cybercriminals. Here is a breakdownof how riskware turns malicious:
- Usersdownload legitimate software: riskwarethat looks trustworthy yet features security vulnerabilities or violatesprivacy agreementscan be downloaded at an app store and evenbundled with other software.
- Thesoftware observes user activity: userdata is recorded to help the software function and becomes prone todata breachesdue to security vulnerabilities within theapplication. Cybercriminals take advantage of weak cybersecurity and caninfect the user’s device and servers.
- Cybercriminalssteal user data: sensitiveinformation is now accessible to cybercriminals who can infect your devicewith aTrojanor virus that benefits the hacker. Yourdata can also be stolen and used in the form of identity theft.
Multiple types ofriskware can leave your technology and sensitive information vulnerable tocyberattacks. Let’s learn how each type of riskware puts your user data atrisk.
Types of riskware
Riskware is all aroundus, and you have probably used at-risk software before without realizing it.There are five main types of riskware to be aware of:
- Vulnerable software
- Monitoring software
- Malware-accessible software
- ToS breaching software
- Law-violating software
Now, let’s dive intoeach type of riskware to understand how to spot, remove, and prevent it fromthreatening our cybersecurity.
Vulnerable software
Vulnerable software isan application with security loopholes or other privacy vulnerabilities thatcan make your data vulnerable to cybercriminals.
Shareware and othertypes of malwarethat are free to use are especially vulnerableto becoming riskware because user data and activity have the potential to berecorded and shared by an app that reaches a large user pool.
Password managersand software that connects your devices to acloud serverare examples of vulnerable software that haveaccess to large amounts of your data, activity, and sensitive information.
Law-violating software
Law-violating softwareenables users to complete illegal activity on their devices. It is possible toaccidentally download unlawful software so be mindful of your country’scybersecurity laws before downloading your next app.
File downloaders, likepiracy software, are examples of illegal riskware in the UnitedStates. Software that enables users to download media subjects users tocriminal charges illegally.
Monitoring software
Monitoring software isany application that monitors user activity. Since more people areworking from home, surveillance software that collects largeamounts of user data and monitors user activity is an increasingly popular typeof riskware.
An example of this typeof riskware is the monitoring software that some employers use to track employeeproductivity. Riskware thattracks users' locationonline, like a map application, can also putthe user’s security.
Malware-accessible software
Malware-accessiblesoftware is any software bundled with other applications that can requireco-installation.
Carefully read theprivacy agreementsof bundled software to understand what useractivity both applications will have access to. If the software beginsfunctioning outside its privacy agreement, it might have a malware infection.
An example ofmalware-accessible software is an auto-installer that automatically downloads data,like stock prices, from the internet to provide real-time information.
ToS breaching software
ToS (Terms of Service)breaching is when any software attempts to ignore, change or override anotherapplication’s ToS. Doing so is also violating the law.
An example of this typeof riskware is a remote access utility that allows users to access data orinformation they are not authorized to in their country.
How to spot riskware …
APotentially Unwanted App(PUA) like malware-accessible riskware can bebundled with desirable applications and remain hidden during the installationprocess, making the risky software difficult to spot.
Be aware of these riskware warning signs:
- You didn’t download the software:This is an example of riskware that may havecome bundled with other software without your permission while installing.
- Your device begins to perform slowly:Getting infected with a virus or Trojan soon after downloading an application potentially means the software has turned malicious.
- The software is accessing files it shouldn’t:If the software can access user data andactivity outside of its functions, it might be riskware.
- The software is rarely updated:Application updates help keep software protectedfrom the latest cybersecurity threats. Outdated software is at risk of becominginfected by malware.
- You're enabled to perform illegal activities:Software that allows users to engage in illegal activityis subjecting them to legal consequences.
- The software breaches the ToS:If not, you may receive notifications regardingyour privacy settings or application incompatibility.
Answering thesequestions can help you identify riskware before downloading it and is the firststep in removing current software that is putting your cybersecurity at risk.
How to remove riskware
If you suspect thatriskware has turned malicious, proceed with caution. Follow this three-stepstrategy when removing riskware:
- Uninstallthe software immediately:don’t allow the at-risk software to inflict any more damage or leave yourdata vulnerable tocybercrime.
- Runan effective antivirus program: enablingantivirus softwarecan help you detect, remove and preventriskware from threatening your cybersecurity. A trusted security softwarelikeNorton 360 Deluxecan help protect your devices and onlineprivacy.
- Followriskware prevention tips:take a proactive approach to combat riskware by having impeccable cyberhygiene.
Although riskware canbe difficult to spot, users can quickly remove or potentially prevent italtogether.
How to prevent riskware
Preventing riskwarerequires users to follow the latest cybersecurity practices. Here are proactiveprevention tips to prevent interactions with riskware:
- Read the Terms of Service
- Keep app permissions to a minimum
- Only download apps through official stores
- Be mindful of illegal software options
- Delete software you do not recognize
- Carefully read prompts before installing apps
Since malware is alwaystaking new forms, having a firm grasp of cybercrime techniques likemalvertisingis also important.
Learn how toenhance your privacy onlineto take a stance toward malware, riskware, andcybercriminals who want access to your sensitive information.
Riskware FAQs
Still have riskwarequestions? We’ve got answers.
What does riskware do?
Riskware can make yourdevice and servers vulnerable to malware infections.
What does riskware detected mean?
Riskware detected meansthat a risk assessment software has detected an application that threatens yourcybersecurity.
What is adware and riskware?
Riskware that bombardsyour device with advertisem*nts is known as adware. The advertisem*nts can takethe form of pop-ups or hidden windows.
How do I remove riskware from my Android?
To remove riskware fromyour Android device, uninstall the application and follow any instructions fromthe developer on how to successfully uninstall the app.
What is riskware generic?
Riskware generic andriskware injector generic are terms that describe potentially risky or unsaferisk management software.
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- Clare Stouffer
- Gen employee
Clare Stouffer, a Gen employee, is a writer and editor for the company’s blogs. She covers various topics in cybersecurity.
Editorial note:Our articles provide educational information for you. Our offerings may not cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat we write about. Our goal is to increase awareness about Cyber Safety. Please review complete Terms during enrollment or setup. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, and that LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses. The Norton and LifeLock brands are part of Gen Digital Inc.
