No AdWare Net

Archive for December, 2010

It looks like nobody is really safe on the Internet today. Even popular social networking sites like Facebook and its users are no longer safe from computer infections. Just recently, a web-based application called Secret Crush was found to have been in violation of the Facebook’s terms of service because of its adware characteristics. The trick is that this widget entices users to click on a link that basically sends them to a website full of malicious softwares. Among the malwares that can be downloaded from the website is called Zango, an infamous adware program that have been downloaded and installed to as much as one million Facebook users.

Zango, which was formerly associated with Hotbar adwareand 180solutions, is one of the leading distributors of adwares. The company develops softwares that provide users with business resources and games, along with DRM-restricted music and videos. But recently, the company settled a $1 million fine with the Federal Trade Commission for installing adware programs without users knowing about it, at the same time obstructing users from removing them.

Security experts have come up with a long list of undesirable activities associated with free softwares provided by Zango, one of which is their instant messaging utility called Zango Easy Messenger. Reports have said that this messaging client tracks and reports user behavior to be able to display targeted advertisements. It can also automatically function during the startup and install other adware components.

McAfee, a top brand in computer security, also warns users from using Zango programs. They said that while many applications from the company may have legitimate purpose, users should still be cautious when downloading and installing them. The company classifies Zango softwares as PUPs or potentially unwanted programs that may function as adware downloaders.

Because of the ever increasing popularity of social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Friendster, many cyber criminals set to do harm are starting to use them as venue for their wrongdoings. That is why it is very important to be very extra careful when going to this websites and clicking unknown links all over their pages. This recent wave of infections from these popular portals should come as a warning to users that they should always have their guards up and never be caught in a vulnerable situation. Or else, the bad guys will definitely come to get you. And not even the most innocent websites can be a safe haven for us.

Accused adware purveyor Zango shuttered by bank foreclosure
Zango, a principal player in the spreading of ‘adware,’ has been forced to close down after a decade in business.

Zango Software Spyware Or Adware
http://live.pirillo.com – Imagine my surprise the other day when searching for an archived document of mine the other day. There was what I was looking for…

Adware vendor Zango shuts its doors
"Zango, the adware distributor that was fined $3 million by the Federal Trade Commission in 2006 for sneaking software on people’s PCs, has closed its.

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