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Spyware Masquerading as Spyware Removal Software

Posted by michael on from the don't-install-unknown-softare-how-hard-can-it-be dept.

Cocooner writes "News.com is reporting that some of the anti-spyware/adware software out there is doing more harm than good by acting as double agents. One example is a software package named SpyBan (google cache since the original site has been removed), which happened to be hosted by download.com, accused of installing Look2Me, which monitors and reports web surfing habits. SpyBan was downloaded over 44000 times before it was pulled. How 'low' can they go?"

24 of 424 comments (clear)

  1. Hmmm... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I wonder if I can get a patent on "Invention that does completely the opposite of what it claims to do"

    1. Re:Hmmm... by gcaseye6677 · · Score: 1, Funny

      I think this one has a lot of prior art.

    2. Re:Hmmm... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Invention that does completely the opposite of what it claims to do

      Like "Microsoft Works"?

    3. Re:Hmmm... by orthogonal · · Score: 4, Funny
      I never post anonymously. May I make love to you?

      Out of 901 comments, I've only posted AC once.

      My Karma's been excellent since my first month here.

      In my last 20 comments, I've gooten five 3s, two 4s, and three 5s.

      So why is there no Slashdotter, no not one single Slashdotter, to offer to make love to me? Oh, oh, me!
      Oh, is there not one maiden here
      Whose homely face and bad complexion
      Have caused all hope to disappear
      Of ever winning man's affection?
      Of such a one, if such there be,
      I swear by Heaven's arch above you,
      If you will cast your eyes on me,
      However plain you be, I'll love you!


      Oh, right, it's the penis thing again.

      Damn Slahdot geek sausage-fest.
      --
      Opinions on the Twiddler2 hand-held keyboard?
    4. Re:Hmmm... by dukeisgod · · Score: 2, Funny

      3 children? We will let the spelling lapse go on grounds of insanity. They're not yours are they?

  2. How low they can go. by fredrikj · · Score: 3, Funny

    How 'low' can they go?

    All the way to hell, I really hope.

    1. Re:How low they can go. by Fancia · · Score: 3, Funny
      I was thinking "infant cannibalism" but I couldn't figure out how they'd make money off it.
      I see you've never read Jonathan Swift. ^.~
      --

      Bít, zabít, jen proto, ze su liska!
  3. How 'low' can they go? by QEDog · · Score: 3, Funny
    How 'low' can they go?

    As low as a worm?

    --
    "There is no teacher but the enemy."-Mazer Rackham
    1. Re:How 'low' can they go? by Tactical+Skyrider · · Score: 1, Funny

      bah, the worms look down on spyware distributers and cringe. ;)

      --
      In Soviet Redmond, software programs you!
  4. I'll stick with the basics.... by millahtime · · Score: 2, Funny

    in using Spybot. It doesn't install spyware... or does it.

    --
    Evolution or ID?
  5. Proposal... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    How about an anti-virus software that sends itself to all your friends and then erases all data from your hard disk?

  6. useless wankers by spectrokid · · Score: 4, Funny

    They should try to spend their time on programs that are more usefull, like those thingies that prevent your IP adress from being visible on the net, or keep your computer clock accurate....

    --

    10 ?"Hello World" life was simple then

  7. How Low by J3M · · Score: 2, Funny

    How 'low' can they go?

    I don't know, but the limbo hurts my back, so let's hope it does theirs as well.

    If not, someone kick them in the crotch while under the pole.

    --
    Aych tea tea pea colon slash slash slash dot dot org slash
  8. Spyware Removal guide by Lipongo · · Score: 5, Funny

    Step 1: Format Hard Drive
    Step 2: Turn Computer off
    Step 3: Never use Computer Again

    --
    -Certified TechnoWeinie
  9. Wait a second... by dubdays · · Score: 2, Funny

    In other news...Bonzi Buddy claims to be your buddy, when he's not your buddy at all!

    Insensitive clod.

  10. Bass? by DJTodd242 · · Score: 1, Funny

    How 'low' can they go?"

    Death row? What a brother know.

    Once again back is the incredible, the rhyme animal. D! Public Enemy #1!

    (Sorry, it's like a reflex these days)

  11. Prior Art by blorg · · Score: 5, Funny

    Spam advertising anti-spam software
    Viruses claiming to be security updates
    SCO pretending to be a software company

  12. Re:Spyware by wed128 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Security and privacy are like an onion...when they get cut, it makes me cry.

  13. Re:On download.com by BiggerIsBetter · · Score: 2, Funny

    Shareware would have been funnier. Paying for spyware - that would be beautiful.

    --
    Forget thrust, drag, lift and weight. Airplanes fly because of money.
  14. Marketers by blunte · · Score: 4, Funny
    How 'low' can they go?


    These are marketers. Was that a trick question?

    If I were in a room with a lawyer and a marketer, and I only had one bullet... I'd kill myself.

    --
    .sigs are for post^Hers.
  15. Re:On download.com by utlemming · · Score: 2, Funny

    Didn't those of us that paid for Windows PAY for spyware?

    Now the question is -- do I get modded down for flamebait or a troll? Let the bets begin.

    --
    The views expressed are mine own and do not express the views of my employer.
  16. Re:spybot by Orion442 · · Score: 2, Funny

    I admittedly surf porn sites regularly

    Need I remind you where you're posting at? You're not exactly the lone ranger here...

  17. Re:Why no Legislation to make Spyware illegal?? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Why not...worked for spam.

  18. Morbidly obese? by blorg · · Score: 2, Funny
    "I had someone just the other day accuse me of being a 30 year old morbidly obese mail"

    I'm sure you're not morbidly obese. You'd never get through the letterbox.