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Spy Software Essay

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Spy Software

Summary

Spy software, or spyware, is software that records information and or activity on a computer and then sends the information to the person or company that installed it. While these programs have been around since the early days of Windows, there has been a recent wave of newer applications of them. The newer programs far outstrip their predecessors in what they do, who installs them, and how they are used. So what exactly do these programs do, who installs them, and should they be a cause for concern?

The list of spyware programs is long and growing longer by the day. Investigator, Spector, and Cyber Snoop are some of the more well known ones, but there are countless others. Some common features include …show more content…

Case Study: AudioGalaxy and VX2

AudioGalaxy bundled an ad program from Onflow for a period of approximately 34 days in late 2001. VX2 was a subprogram within the Onflow software that buried itself into the internet browser of the host computer and then went to work. It would randomly ‘pop-up’ advertisements while the user was surfing, and then send information back to VX2 corporation. All of this was done without the users knowledge, in fact the user was not notified that the program was even installed. The editor of Portal of Evil discovered VX2 while trying to eliminate pop-up ads from his website. Further investigation into the company revealed next to nothing. Emails went unanswered, and there was no other way to contact VX2. The privacy policy on VX2’s website basically says that it does not respect the users privacy, which does not inspire trust or confidence in them.

“vx2's Software also uses artificial intelligence to discern and collect name and address information from online forms that you fill out. We use this information to allow our partners to reach you with personalized and targeted offers and advertisements that are relevant to your interests. We may also contact you directly ourselves with such offers.” - VX2 Privacy Policy

In normal English this means that the program will take information from forms you fill out, such as: name, address, phone number, email address.

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