What category do applications that may be legitimate but pose a risk belong to?

The category that includes applications which may be legitimate but still pose a risk is known as Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). PUPs are software applications that, while not inherently malicious, can have adverse effects on the user's system or experience. This can include things like slowing down performance, displaying unwanted advertisements, or altering browser settings without user consent.

PUPs are often bundled with free software, leading users to install them unintentionally. Users may not be aware of their presence, and although they may be perceived as useful, they can compromise privacy or introduce other security vulnerabilities. Many security solutions, including those offered by Sophos, specifically identify and manage PUPs to help ensure a user’s system remains safe and operates optimally.

In contrast, spyware is specifically designed to gather user data without consent, adware usually focuses on generating ad revenue through intrusive advertisements, and ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files and demands payment for their release. Each of these categories carries distinct functions and risks, but it is PUPs that uniquely encompasses potentially problematic applications that could be seen as legitimate by users.