{"id":11066,"date":"2020-05-14T17:24:39","date_gmt":"2020-05-14T17:24:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fastestvpn.com\/resources\/?p=11066"},"modified":"2025-08-14T15:00:05","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T15:00:05","slug":"how-bloatware-is-a-threat-to-cybersecurity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fastestvpn.com\/resources\/how-bloatware-is-a-threat-to-cybersecurity\/","title":{"rendered":"How Bloatware is a Threat to Cybersecurity","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Bloatware could leave your entire system being taken over. It can consume resources even while it\u2019s just sitting unused, and if not removed. Find out how to remove it and keep your device bloat-free.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

What is Bloatware?<\/h2>\n

Whenever you buy a new device, it comes with a host of unnecessary pre-installed software called bloatware. It takes up your hard drive space and slows down the speed.<\/p>\n

Developers want to promote their apps and software to earn revenue. These programmers pay PC and smartphone manufacturers for installing their apps, video games, browser toolbars, and free versions of antivirus software<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hence, redundant software applications make your device cluttered and sometimes prone to cyber-attacks.<\/p>\n

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Is Every Bloatware a Security Threat?<\/h2>\n

Every pre-installed program is not a threat. Some preloaded system apps can be removed easily.<\/p>\n

However, web-based bloatware that bundles with third-party apps may expose you to higher cybersecurity risks.<\/p>\n

This type of bloatware resides inside a software bundle and exploits your system with malware or adware.<\/p>\n

How Bloatware Puts Users at Risk<\/h3>\n

Bloatware can put users\u2019 security at risk. Pre-installed third-party programs may contain malware; therefore, track users\u2019 online activities. If not all programs are malicious, still they will leave you frustrated with annoying ad pop-ups.<\/p>\n

Besides spying on you, unwanted software unknowingly drains your battery and clutters your device.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take an example of how bloatware can cause major security risks. Recently, a researcher from Google\u2019s Project Zero found an unsecured password management app, Keeper being installed on Windows 10.<\/p>\n

For some time, Keeper\u2019s browser extension enabled websites to track login credentials.<\/p>\n

The login credentials only exposed when users enabled its plugin while setting up the Keeper app or when activated it manually in the browser.<\/p>\n

Soon the Keeper team noticed and updated the flaws. They brought a new version of the app with patched vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n

Keeper\u2019s security flaws were patched in just a week, but thousands of other similar apps installed on different devices every day. Therefore, you have to be careful about all the potential security vulnerabilities while buying a new device.<\/p>\n

How to Get Rid of Bloatware<\/h3>\n

Installing a trusted antivirus program is the best solution to the problem. It protects you from accidental downloads; hence, no malicious bloatware will access your device.<\/p>\n

Similarly, using a VPN with malware protection can help you stay anonymous on the internet and move data with encryption. FastestVPN offers ad-blocker and anti-malware features that not only protect you from annoying ads but also provide an added layer of protection from malware and online threats.<\/p>\n

How to remove bloatware<\/h3>\n

It depends on two factors. First, what device you\u2019re using. Second, what type of bloatware you want to remove.<\/p>\n

Normal third-party pre-installed applications can simply be removed from your device settings. However, apps that are installed by the manufacturers cannot be uninstalled; you can disable applications from the settings menu or use the best bloatware removal apps.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how to remove bloatware<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. \n

    Remove bloatware from Android<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You can disable any unwanted app running in your Android device. The app can be disabled, but will not free up your storage space.<\/p>\n