grayware
Not quite malware
Grayware is software that occupies a gray area between legitimate programs and malware.
It includes applications that aren't outright malicious but exhibit unwanted behaviors—adware that tracks browsing, bundled toolbars you didn't ask for, or programs that slow your system while technically doing what they advertise.
The security scan flagged several grayware programs I'd unknowingly installed.
Also spelled greyware.
Unwanted preinstalled software
- trialwareTime-limited software version
- nagwarePerpetually prompting software
- toolbarSoftware button strip
- add-onOptional supplementary component
plugin · extension · crapware · junkware · third-party · package deal · installer · opt-out
State of being bothered
Openness to harm
- antivirusMalware detection program
- firewallNetwork access control system
- threatIndication of potential harm
- detectionAct of finding something
quarantine · false positive · PUP · risk assessment · privacy concerns · data collection · permissions · sandbox
Sudden appearing elements
- bannersLarge displayed cloth signs
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- cookiesSmall sweet baked goods
- advertisingPaid promotional communication
targeted · personalization · monetization · pay-per-click · data-mining · recommendations · clickbait · sponsored
Systematic observation of subjects
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
- eavesdroppingSecretly listening to others
- snoopingSecretly investigating others
covert · stealth · remote access · screen capture · browsing history · phone home · beacon · telemetry
bloatware
Unwanted preinstalled software
- trialwareTime-limited software version
- nagwarePerpetually prompting software
- toolbarSoftware button strip
add-on · plugin · extension · crapware · junkware · third-party · package deal · installer · opt-out · piggyback
annoyance
State of being bothered
vulnerability
Openness to harm
- antivirusMalware detection program
- firewallNetwork access control system
- threatIndication of potential harm
detection · quarantine · false positive · PUP · risk assessment · privacy concerns · data collection · permissions · sandbox · reputation
pop-ups
Sudden appearing elements
- bannersLarge displayed cloth signs
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- cookiesSmall sweet baked goods
advertising · targeted · personalization · monetization · pay-per-click · data-mining · recommendations · clickbait · sponsored · affiliate
surveillance
Systematic observation of subjects
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
- eavesdroppingSecretly listening to others
snooping · covert · stealth · remote access · screen capture · browsing history · phone home · beacon · telemetry · fingerprinting
graywaremalware
Harmful computer programs
whiteware · virus · ransomware · spyware · worm
graywareenterprise software
Organizational computer programs
open-source software · proprietary software · commercial software
gray, ware, grays, grayer, grayest, grayish, grayed, graying, wares