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Security Operations · Foundational

Bloatware

Unnecessary software preinstalled by a manufacturer that consumes resources and expands the attack surface.

Definition

Bloatware includes trial apps, vendor utilities and promotional software shipped on new devices. Although usually not malicious, it can contain vulnerabilities and runs with privileges the user never asked for. Removing it is a standard hardening step.

Example

A new laptop ships with a vendor update utility later found to allow remote code execution.

Exam tip

Security+ SY0-701 lists bloatware as a malware-related indicator area; the fix is uninstalling it.

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