StopBadware.org, the initiative developed to combat spyware, has
announced the addition of four software programs to its Badware
Watch List.
The list has been created to spotlight software programs that
embed malicious spyware without the online user's knowledge or
consent.
It is supported by Harvard Law School's Berkman Center for
Internet & Society, and Oxford University's Oxford Internet
Institute, both members of StopBadware.org.
"We're identifying four more applications pointed out by
consumers that failed our tests for badware," said John Palfrey,
co-director of StopBadware.org and executive director of the
Berkman Center.
“We hope that the light shed on these programs will encourage
these and other application developers to change their deceptive
ways.
“These reports, along with the others listed on our Badware
Watch List, will hopefully serve as an effective tool to help
consumers make a more informed decision before they download one of
these applications,” said Palfrey.
Badware monitored by the organisation covers spyware, pop-up
advertising and obtrusive programs that cannot easily be removed by
users.
Programs now listed include FunCade, a gaming software
application that comes bundled with BullsEye and NaviSearch, which
are both adware programs.
When removing the FunCade software from machines, users find
that the bundled adware and spyware programs remain on the
machine.
Also listed is Team Taylor Made's “Jessica Simpson Screensaver”,
which bundles more than a dozen pieces of software, including
undisclosed adware, a dialer which automatically dials pay-for porn
sites with a modem, and toolbars that modify the installer's
browser.
The third program identified is UnSpyPC, an application that
incorporates a non-standard hard drive scan upon installation, and
which also identifies legitimate software, such as VMWare,
WinPatrol and Windows Defender as spyware.
It also adds an UnSpyPC icon to the Internet Explorer browser
without notification.
WinFixer 2005 and 2006 have also been identified as badware.
Both versions of WinFixer deceptively attempt to get the user to
purchase the full version of its software by making exaggerated
claims about "severe system threats" on the user's computer, said
StopBadware.
The program also makes it difficult to opt out of purchasing the
software altogether.
WinFixer 2005 also installs a rootkit, which can make the
program difficult to detect and remove.
Launched last year, StopBadware.org has a 5,000-strong badware
monitoring community around the world.