Zango still in spyware game

Posted by   Virus Bulletin on   Nov 21, 2006

Dodgy tactics continue despite ruling.

Several researchers have complained that adware-fuelled media company Zango continues to use deceptive practices, despite the recent case brought against it by the FTC, in which it was fined $3 million and ordered to cease such activities.

During the case, Zango insisted that it had already cleaned up its act, and that none of the devious installation techniques it were accused of had been in use by the company since January this year. However, two separate groups of researchers have presented evidence that the practices continue, even after the legal settlement.

Spyware watchers Ben Edelman and Eric Howes have released a thorough study of Zango installation routines, clearly showing the lack of clear disclosure during installation and the absence of source data from pop-up ads. The study includes screenshots and video demonstrations of deceptions in action.

Elsewhere, the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) has sent a formal complaint to the FTC, including more evidence that the terms of the settlement continue to be broken and urging the FTC to insist Zango apologises for its earlier statement, and to monitor the company closely in future to ensure compliance. The complaint is available from the CDT website (PDF format), here.

Posted on 21 November 2006 by Virus Bulletin

 Tags

twitter.png
fb.png
linkedin.png
hackernews.png
reddit.png

 

Latest posts:

VBSpam tests to be executed under the AMTSO framework

VB is excited to announce that, starting from the Q3 test, all VBSpam tests of email security products will be executed under the AMTSO framework.

In memoriam: Prof. Ross Anderson

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of Professor Ross Anderson a few days ago.

In memoriam: Dr Alan Solomon

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of industry pioneer Dr Alan Solomon earlier this week.

New paper: Nexus Android banking botnet – compromising C&C panels and dissecting mobile AppInjects

In a new paper, researchers Aditya K Sood and Rohit Bansal provide details of a security vulnerability in the Nexus Android botnet C&C panel that was exploited in order to gather threat intelligence, and present a model of mobile AppInjects.

New paper: Collector-stealer: a Russian origin credential and information extractor

In a new paper, F5 researchers Aditya K Sood and Rohit Chaturvedi present a 360 analysis of Collector-stealer, a Russian-origin credential and information extractor.

We have placed cookies on your device in order to improve the functionality of this site, as outlined in our cookies policy. However, you may delete and block all cookies from this site and your use of the site will be unaffected. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to Virus Bulletin's use of data as outlined in our privacy policy.