Sears Installs Spyware

Posted by kdawson on Thursday January 3, 2008 @04:35AM from the naughty-naughty dept.

Gandalf_the_Beardy writes in with news that's been around a while but is getting more attention lately. Last month Benjamin Googins, a security researcher at CA, determined that Sears Holding Corp. installed ComScore spyware without adequate disclosure. Sears said, yes we tell people about tracking their browsing. On Jan. 1 spyware researcher Ben Edelman weighed in, noting that Sears' notice occurs on page 10 of a 54-page privacy statement, and twits Sears because its installation identifies the software as "VoiceFive" and later claims it's coming from a company called "TMRG, Inc." even though a packet sniffer confirms the software belongs to ComScore, adding "These confusing name-changes fit the trend among spyware vendors."

3 of 201 comments (clear)

What a deal! by charlesbakerharris · 2008-01-03 04:46 · Score: 5, Funny

This is the least expensive install Sears has ever done for me!
Re:This is Sear's Privacy Statement by tyraen · 2008-01-03 05:03 · Score: 5, Funny

That was too long for me to read so I just clicked past it.
Re:Surprised that Sears is still in business? by BigHungryJoe · 2008-01-03 05:10 · Score: 4, Funny

If Sears goes out of business do my Craftsman tools still have a lifetime warranty? Who will honor that warranty?

I'll be goddamned if I'm going to buy TWO hammers during this lifetime.