The Anti-Spyware Coalition, whose members include
Microsoft, Symantec, Computer Associates, McAfee, AOL and Yahoo,
has finalised its spyware detection guidelines after taking into
account public comments on a proposed version introduced last
October.
Spyware and adware have become more hated than worms or viruses for
their snide distribution tactics, unauthorised data gathering and
needless use of computer processing power.
The Anti-Spyware Coalition's guidelines aim to provide a common
way to classify spyware, based on the risks a piece of software
poses to consumers. They also suggest ways to handle software,
based on those risk levels.
The coalition hopes the final guidelines will now lead to better
anti-spyware products. One IT security and risk management company,
Cybertrust, is now planning to certify products that meet the
guidelines. Consumers should see the first products with its
anti-spyware seal of approval within the next few months.
The guidelines themselves have yet to gain wholehearted support.
Some critics fear guidelines will legitimise spyware and enable
distributors to dodge blocking tools.
Well, the guidelines are a start. Anything that helps neutralise
spyware and eradicates the stuff from users’ PCs would be
welcome.