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Overview
Potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are programs that are not malicious but are generally considered unsuitable for most business networks. Examples include, but aren’t limited to, adware, dialers, remote administration tools, bundleware, downloaders, aggressive monetizing software, uninstall tools.
Some PUAs can also be used for malicious purposes, such as network scanning tools and penetration testing tools. For more information on these, take a look at the KB Admin tool Detected as Potentially Unwanted Application(PUA)
If you believe a detection was made in error, review the following KB for Requests to re-categorize by third parties for PUA/Adware detections (possible Deceptor component). This is meant to provide steps on how to understand better the detections we make and provide us information on the PUA detection in case we need to re-evaluate the detection.
Product and Environment
Sophos Endpoint Security and ControlHow to allow detected PUA
Sophos customers who wish to allow the detected PUA can do so by following the steps indicated in the following:- For Sophos Central, click Scanning exclusions of the Sophos Central Admin User assistance document.
- For Sophos Enterprise Console, visit the Authorize adware and PUAs document.
Note: The above SEC PUA link is for version 5.5.2. Other versions of the same document (Enterprise Console Help HTML or PDF) can be found on the Enterprise Console page.
Related information
Sophos: Adware and PUAsSign up to the Sophos Support Notification Service to get the latest product release information and critical issues.
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