1/20/04 Please note this site is under development and will open around June 2004.

Protects.org is a part of the Security Associates Group...

Protects.org will be addressing the issues of privacy on the Internet. Specifically Spyware. Our goal will be to educate the public on the issues of Spyware proliferating throughout the Internet.

adware

Adware can be banners that display on web pages. It can also be software or freeware, where ads are embedded in the program. These ads will show up when you open the program. Most adware authors provide the free version with ads and a registered version where the ads are disabled. You either use the freeware with ads served or you upgrade and purchase the registered version.

Adware will sometimes including code that tracks a user's personal information and passes it on to third parties, without the user's authorization or knowledge. This practice has been dubbed spyware and has prompted an outcry from computer security and privacy advocates, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

We will cover a number of software applications, including Ad-Aware (our favorite) and OptOut, These programs are available as freeware to help remove suspected spyware programs.

Spyware categories:

Adware networks
The backbone for big time spyware are ad serving networks that pay publishers of games, utilities and music/video players per download, to include their ad serving programs. Ad serving networks are DoubleClick, Web3000, Radiate, SaveNow, GAIN.

Stalking horses
A number of programs that enable the adware networks to function on desktops are bundled in many popular programs and often (but not always) presented in installation disclosure screens as desirable add-ons to their Trojan horse hosts. All collect information. Included in TopText, Cydoor, OnFlow, Medialoads, Delfin, WebHancer, New.net.

Trojan horses
These popular Internet downloads usually come with the ad serving network basic software and at least one stalking horse. Included in KaZaa, Grokster, Morpheus, Limewire, AudioGalaxy, iMesh, DivX.

Backdoor Santas
Stand-alone programs that incorporate similar approaches have no links to ad serving networks and collect information from users. Included in Alexa, Hotbar, Comet Cursor, eWallet, CuteFTP, BonziBuddy.

Cookies
Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer will still send out existing cookies even after disabling cookies in the browser settings. You must manually delete any/all cookie files on your system to eliminate being tracked by third-party ad networks or spyware or adware providers.

Types of Spyware:

malware: (modifies system settings, and can perform undesirable tasks on your system),

hijacker: Redirects your browser to web sites.

dialer: Dials a service, most likely porn sites, for which you are billed.

trojan horse: Attached to a program, and performs undesirable tasks on your system.

collectware Collects information about you and your surfing habits.

Spyware can install DLLs and other executables files, send continuous data to the parent (slowing down or crashing your browser), intentionally or unintentionally leave a backdoor open for hackers to intercept your personal data or enter your computer, can install other programs directly on to your computer without your knowledge, can send/receive cookies to other spyware programs and invite them into your computer (even if you have cookies disabled), and they can add Trojan horses to your system. Most spyware and adware programs are independent executable files which take on the authorization abilities of the victim. They include auto install and auto update capabilities and can report on any attempts to remove or modify them.

Spyware programs can reset your auto signature, disable or bypass your uninstall features, monitor your keystrokes, scan files on your drive, access your applications, change homepages in addition to displaying advertising content online or offline. They can read, write and delete files and even reformat your hard drive and they do this while sending a steady stream of information back to the advertising and marketing companies. The majority of these programs once installed can not easily be deleted from your system by normal methods and often leave components behind to continue to monitor your behavior and reinstall themselves.

We are looking to develop this site as a major portal for information and resources on spyware and privacy issues.

@BizDev