What is bloatware?

Often referred to as crapware, bloatware includes unnecessary pre-installed software that can limit user choice, slow down device performance, and pose cybersecurity risks. Recognizing and managing bloatware helps ensure your devices stay efficient and secure. According to PC World, “It also interferes in the fun of investigating different products or services and making informed decisions without being influenced beforehand.”

Understanding bloatware

Bloatware is software installed by manufacturers or vendors on new devices or applications. Unlike firmware, bloatware offers little to no benefit to the user and instead takes up valuable space, reduces battery life, and slows down performance.

Many manufacturers include bloatware to encourage users to rely on their ecosystems, such as proprietary apps for weather updates or calendars. While some users may find these apps helpful, they often provide minimal value for the majority.

Why is bloatware a cybersecurity threat?

Beyond slowing down devices, bloatware can introduce vulnerabilities that bad actors exploit. For instance:

• Malware camouflage: A slow device caused by bloatware can hide symptoms of malware infections, such as ransomware or scareware.
• Adware risks: Some bloatware serves as adware, which can spy on browsing behavior or trick users into entering sensitive information on fake sites.

Read more: What is malware? 

Common types of bloatware

Bloatware comes in several forms, including:

• Trialware: Temporary apps that require payment after a trial period. Even when unused, these apps can consume processing power and storage by running in the background.
• Utilities and applications: Pre-installed apps that may be useful to some users but irrelevant to others, such as stock-tracking or niche utilities.
• Adware: Apps designed to display ads that interrupt workflows and, in some cases, send user data to attackers or lead users to malicious sites.

Read also: Understanding adware

How to identify bloatware

Spotting bloatware is straightforward with the right approach:

• Look for pre-installed apps that are difficult to remove.
• Use a bloatware cleaning tool to detect unnecessary software.
• Check running applications to identify adware causing pop-ups.
• Watch for suspicious behavior, such as ads related to searches performed when the browser is closed.
• Investigate apps demanding payment for features you don’t use or recognize.

Preventing bloatware

Preventing bloatware starts with mindful choices:

• Be selective during installation: Only install necessary features and apps when setting up a device or application.
• Choose bloatware-free devices: While potentially more expensive, these devices offer better performance and fewer distractions.
• Inspect new devices: Uninstall any unfamiliar or unnecessary software as soon as you set up a device.

Learn more: How Paubox's suite of inbound security protects against cyberattacks 

FAQs

Why is bloatware a concern for HIPAA compliance?

Bloatware can introduce security gaps or backdoors that compromise ePHI. If these vulnerabilities lead to a breach, it could result in HIPAA violations and penalties.

What are the risks of bloatware in healthcare?

Bloatware can reduce system performance, expose devices to malware, and increase the risk of unauthorized access to ePHI. These risks can disrupt operations, compromise data integrity, and result in compliance failures.

How can healthcare organizations address bloatware to maintain HIPAA compliance?

Healthcare organizations should remove unnecessary software from devices, regularly audit systems for unused programs, and ensure all remaining software is updated and secure. Using devices configured specifically for healthcare reduces the likelihood of bloatware-related issues.