The standard of spyware is adopted

A coalition of software companies has agreed to a common measure in identifying and killing spyware ("uninvited" programs) that monitor web browsing and annoy users with pop- advertising up.

The alliance called Anti-Spyware Coalition, including Microsoft, Symantec, Computer Associates, McAfee, AOL and Yahoo, yesterday approved all instructions for detecting spyware (proposed in October), and suggested methods. handling based on many levels of danger.

Among these, the coalition rated "high risk" is software that can hide itself via e-mail, instant messages, viruses, worms or is installed when hackers exploit security holes. The guide also helps businesses more clearly identify what can and cannot be downloaded, as in the recent Sony BMG "rootkit" event.

However, these efforts are causing much controversy. Experts fear they will "standardize" spyware and support cybercriminals to easily avoid malicious programs and continue to commit malicious schemes.

Spyware and advertising are being severely condemned for sneaky, illegal data collection, changing security settings and slowing down the ability of computers to be sold by advertisers. that they are operating legally.

Anti-Spyware Coalition intends to officially publish these instructions on February 9 in Washington (USA).