How you can Help yourself to spyware

Spyware/malware is a growing and pervasive problem. You can become infected by just surfing the web, and even some emails (usually by clicking a link in the email). Some times you even agree to allow it to infect your computer.

A lot of times adware and spyware (malware included) come bundled with software that you load yourself, and electronically agree to let infect you.

Earlier tonight, I decided I needed a few new themes and screensavers. I googled for them and specified 'free' in the search. Of course, a lot of the results were payware or at the vary least shareware, but there were some free results. But are they really free? Most of the downloads came bundled with ads, adware, and spyware of some sort.

They all wanted you to agree to let them load this malware, either in their download disclaimers or in their 'End User Licence Agreements' (ULA's). And to be able to use their products, you must accept the malware also.

Check out the 'Theme XP' wrapping page: http://www.themexp.org/about_wrap.php

Quote:

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In order to keep our costs down, some of the files on this site have been wrapped with advertisements. This has nothing to do with the theme authors and they are not making any money because of it. It is simply a way for us to pay for bandwidth and servers to keep this site going. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call us at: (480) 503-8338. We are open 9AM to 6PM Arizona Standard Time.

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Now I didn't download anything from their site, so I can't tell you what the advertisements are (if they are plain adverts or contain malware), but in effect you are allowing them to put anything they want on your computer.

Another example is in the attachment to this post. It is the disclaimer to start the installation of a free theme. Again, I can't tell you what was to be installed, because I canceled the installation.

The only two ways to protect your self from this type of malware, is to read all disclaimers and ULA's that come with any software you are installing, or to never install any thing ever again.

Hi Moxnix,

Indeed, it's getting to the point that whatever you do, there is spyware/adware/malware attached.

I've been surprised by the number of requests for confirmation I get from the Spybot Immunization (Yeah, I know, I could turn to automatic blocking rather than asking for confirmation, but I like to see what is going on). Open any page on the Net these days, and there seems to be something attached that you may not be aware of.

As you point out, you do indeed have to very carefully read any license agreement or disclaimer, as companies will do whatever they can to fill your screen with advertising.

But, as the saying goes, "there's no such thing as a free lunch", and companies are out there trying to make their point.

Cheers,

BrainStop

Here is another of the disclaimers used to get you to agree with adware installation. See attachment.

Note: This company made you give them personal info (in my case, made up) and enter your e-mail address in two different spots (screens -- also made up).

I got the same crap. I was getting a new style xp theme and it came bundled in a package called "start.exe." Well not only did it install my theme, but it installed damn near every ad package on the net. Adaware and a couple of uninstalls got rid of it, but that is just crap.

That was the worst "lunch" I ever had!

I always like the GAIN popups "Install this ad-on. Click here to always trust GAIN networks". Btw, I found out recently that GAIN is just Gator under a new name up to it's same ole' tricks. As for the "free" software out there now - I usually dl and install it and then run ad-aware and spybot s&d. Spyware on my comp gets nuked pretty fast...