What Is Riskware?

Date First Published: 12th May 2023

Topic: Cybersecurity

Subtopic: Threats To Systems, Data & Information

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 6/10

CONTENTS

Examples Of Riskware
How To Avoid Riskware?

Learn more about what riskware is in this article.

Riskware describes software that is not strictly malicious, but poses potential security risks due to software incompatibilities, security holes, or legal violations. Riskware is not a type of malware. It is a risky type of software that has the possibility of becoming a threat to a computer and is often downloaded and installed without the user realising that it poses a risk in some way.

Examples Of Riskware

Below are five examples of riskware.

Software that creates unnecessary vulnerabilities or security holes. For example, an external program that modifies software and prevents it from being updated would be a form of riskware as it leaves users with an outdated version of the software that prevents all updates, including updates that fix bugs and security issues discovered by the provider and users. Since outdated software can leave users vulnerable to security holes, this becomes a security risk and makes it a target for cybercriminals.
Software that asks for a lot of permissions without a good reason. For example, a utility that scans your computer for unnecessary files that can be deleted has a good reason to request access to your registry so that it can clear up unneeded entries. However, it is very unlikely that it has a good reason to ask for permission to your contacts, location, microphone, or cameras and you should be wary of any programs that unnecessarily require you to grant that many permissions. These programs pose a risk to users as they may misuse your data.
Software that excessively monitors your behaviours or tracks your activity. Software that collects much more data than needed, often to target ads towards you or sell it without you realising becomes a risk to your privacy. Data gathered could also be exposed to hackers. If the provider has not put security measures in place to protect against hacking, your personal data could go to the wrong people and it will be prone to data breaches. As a result, large companies that collect much more data than necessary can be targeted by cybercriminals.
Software that provides access to malware or unwanted software - The software itself may not be malicious, but it can also be bundled with malware or other unwanted software that will try to install unless you opt out before clicking the 'install' button. Since it is common for users to click 'install', 'ok', or 'next' without checking to see if any other boxes are ticked or reading the agreement, they might be agreeing to install extra features, like a browser toolbar or an unwanted program that they did not intend to install, like adware.
Software with legal violations. For example, software with hacking tools that try to gain unauthorised access to accounts, remotely control computers over a network that the user doesn't own without permission, infect other computers with malware, or steal sensitive information from other computers would be violating the law and the user would be liable for any damages it causes.

How To Avoid Riskware?

Following the five tips below can help avoid riskware:

Avoid programs that unnecessarily ask for lots of permissions - These can be a great security risk and the data could be misused. Make sure that you only give programs the permissions they need.
Only download software from websites you absolutely trust. If you download software from websites you don't know, it may contain riskware that becomes a potential security risk.
Keep your software up to date. It is essential to keep your software up to date as this will allow you to access the latest features and fix bugs and vulnerabilities that have been discovered by the provider or other users. Outdated software can become a form of riskware because cybercriminals often try to exploit vulnerabilities in them, leaving you vulnerable to security risks, including malware and theft of sensitive information.
Never use programs that allow you to perform fraudulent activities, like stealing sensitive information or hacking.
Do not keep software that interferes with the proper functioning of other important software or your operating system as this can cause system stability issues.