House Probes Threat Posed by Spyware

Security >> House Probes Threat Posed by Spyware Apr 29, 7:50 PM (ET)

By MATTHEW DALY

WASHINGTON (AP) - It's the newest computer security
problem to attract the attention of Congress: spyware, or
software designed to collect computer users' personal data
without their knowledge.

Secretly piggybacking on downloaded Internet software,
spyware transmits information about computer usage and
generates pop-up advertisements and other annoyances. It
often is difficult to uninstall.

Little known a few years ago, spyware is now so common
that many consider it the biggest problem for Internet
users since spam.

Microsoft estimates spyware is responsible for half of all
PC crashes and warns that it has become a multimillion-
dollar support issue for computer makers, Internet service
providers and technicians.

In some cases, it makes a computer unusable.

A research lab in Washington state found one of its
computers "hijacked" by pop-up ads, to the point where "we
couldn't do anything," said Patrick Clapshaw, the lab's
director.

After a week of frustration and several visits by
technicians, the problem was eventually solved, but not
before causing at least $500 worth of lost data and
downtime.

Clapshaw, of Kirkland, Wash., calls spyware worse than
spam.

"To me, this is an aggressive computer takeover," he
said. "It's the difference between someone dropping fliers
on your front porch, or walking around your house
following you and annoying you."

Members of Congress are taking the threat seriously. At
least three bills have been introduced to address the
problem, with more likely to follow.

"There is no more pernicious, intrusive activity going on
in the Internet today" than spyware, said Rep. Joe Barton,
R-Texas, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce
Committee.

At a hearing Thursday before the panel's subcommittee on
commerce, trade and consumer protection, computer makers
and user groups urged Congress to address deceptive
behavior, rather than ban categories of software. Citing a
new Utah law, the groups said broad legislation could end
up prohibiting legitimate practices and stifle innovation.

Members of the Federal Trade Commission also urged caution
as officials learn more about the problem and the best way
to combat it.

"I do not believe legislation is the answer at this time,"
said commission member Mozelle Thompson. "Instead, we
should give industry the time to respond. Self-regulation
combined with enforcement of existing laws might be the
best way to go."

The go-slow approach infuriated Barton, who said he
intends to push a spyware bill through his committee - and
the full House - this year.

"You like this stuff? You're the only person in this
country that wants spyware on their computer," he told
Howard Beales, the FTC's consumer protection chief.

Barton urged FTC officials to work with the committee to
draft a new law "instead of trying to defend something
that's indefensible."

Beales said the FTC considers spyware a problem, but wants
to make sure that legislation targets deceptive behavior
while allowing legitimate uses. Some proposed solutions,
such as requiring permission every time a user downloads a
new program, "would make the process of installing new
software extremely tedious," Beales said.

Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., whose district includes
Kirkland, called it "absolutely astounding" that the FTC
does not see a need for a new law "when we have hundreds
of thousands of violations every day." Inslee introduced a
bill Thursday that would outlaw spyware programs designed
to record Web browsing habits and collect personal data
without notice and consent of the user.

Rep. Mary Bono, R-Calif., has introduced a similar bill
requiring that consumers receive a clear and conspicuous
notice before downloading software. The bill would also
require that third parties disclose their identity to the
consumer, along with a valid e-mail address.

Sens. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and
Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., have introduced a bill
prohibiting installation of software on someone else's
computer without notice and consent. The bill also would
require reasonable "uninstall" procedures for new software.

Windows OS119

Security >> House Probes Threat Posed by Spyware It would be great if they'll pass legislation that outlaws spyware;
enforcement will still be an issue. I hope they won't ban cookies right
away.

--
Svyatoslav Pidgorny, MVP, MCSE
-= F1 is the key =-

"Spyware Killer" <EMail@HideDomain.com> wrote in message
news:64c801c42e72$3b8492b0$EMail@HideDomain.com...
> Apr 29, 7:50 PM (ET)
>
> By MATTHEW DALY
>
> WASHINGTON (AP) - It's the newest computer security
> problem to attract the attention of Congress

Security >> House Probes Threat Posed by Spyware >-----Original Message-----
>It would be great if they'll pass legislation that
outlaws spyware;
>enforcement will still be an issue. I hope they won't ban
cookies right
>away.

Yes, something has to be done about spyware. Spam e-mails
haven't been stopped by legislation (even though I read
somewhere that a lawsuit has finally been filed against a
company regarding that), but hopefully spyware legislation
will pass soon, and enforcement will be possible.