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Computer Parasites: Spyware, Adware and Scumware

Definitions. Parasite unintended, undesirable applicationSpyware Watches and reports back without your knowledge Adware Serves banners and popups ad nauseumScumware Adds or replaces advertising links, hijacking affiliate-program payments. Disclaimer. Vet information very carefullySome sp

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Computer Parasites: Spyware, Adware and Scumware

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    1. Computer Parasites: Spyware, Adware and Scumware An HDI Austin “The Doctor is In” Roundtable June 8, 2004

    2. Definitions Parasite – unintended, undesirable application Spyware – Watches and reports back without your knowledge Adware – Serves banners and popups ad nauseum Scumware – Adds or replaces advertising links, hijacking affiliate-program payments

    3. Disclaimer Vet information very carefully Some spyware removal services actually deliver other spyware in the process “Providers” bristle at being labeled Example 1 Sandboxer Adware and downloader Random file names, changed from time to time Repairs itself when deleted

    4. Example 2 Free Kazaa Media Desktop bundles adware Cydoor and GAIN Network Claims Cydoor and GAIN are “mandatory” and “integral” But an adware-free version is available for $30 User agreed to EULA

    5. Example 3 iLookup adds bookmarks to Favorites hijacks the homepage, address bar search and sidebar search periodically receives directions from controlling server to open pop-up ad, often porn-related, ads

    6. Prevalence Virus-like numbers .5 million reports to PestPatrol in March, 2004 Variants showing up daily PestPatrol identifies 21,100

    7. How did this get here? Bundled with file-sharing apps Clicked on pop-up dialog box Arrived with/as e-mail attachment Installed with freeware with notice buried in EULA “Drive-by” attack (malicious code embedded in viewed Website)

    8. Impact Privacy Contents of forms sent back to the mother ship Browsing patterns captured, used and sold Security breaches capturing login and password information corporate espionage compliance with security regulations?

    9. Impact Productivity Serve annoying pop up ads Eats machine resources Hogs network bandwidth Downtime for cleaning IT resources spent fighting parasites Time Money Opportunity cost

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