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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?"

7 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 Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

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

      Like "Microsoft Works"?

    2. 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?
  2. 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

  3. 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
  4. 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

  5. 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.