MySpace User Videos
Several user pages within the social networking site MySpace.com now were found to become hosting movies containing adware, based on a report released by Websense® Security LabsTM. The videos, which contained adult content, were embedded by having an installer for Zango Cash Toolbar. Zango, generally known as 180Solutions, can be a known manufacturer of adware and is also listed to be a “Potentially Unwanted Product” by McAfee.
When users click around the video, which resembles videos posted on multimedia site You Tube, you are forwarded to a site called “Yootube.info,” that’s hosted away from Amsterdam. According to the Websense® report, your website requires the user to accept to an end-user license so that you can view the entire video. Acceptance in the agreement terms triggers the download and installing of setup.exe from Zango Cash by way of a Windows Media Player dialogue box.
Zango receives payment from your operators in the installation website based about the number of successful toolbar installations. Though the adware in question is usually a low grade threat that primarily opens popups, it’s not necessarily a program most users want on his or her machines. Ironically, Zango was recently linked to a dispute with all the Federal Trade Commission, which accused Zango with using “unfair and deceptive approaches to download adware and obstruct consumers from removing it, in violation of federal law.” Zango paid a $3 million acceptable for distributing adware and was barred from installing its program on any computer without having the user’s express consent. User approval in the end-user license agreement through this case may qualify as consent, though there isn’t any question particularly of obtaining consent are somewhat dicey.
Zango resembles most low-grade adware in the sense it can easily be prevented and removed by updated antivirus software. Installing a popup blocker along with a firewall is a crucial first step. Popup blockers can prevent popup ads from appearing around the screen, plus a firewall, which filters information because it arrives in the internet, will detect and block files who have the potential to wreck a user’s computer.
Another way a person can prevent the installing Zango or any other similar adware is usually to read end-user license agreements thoroughly before agreeing in their mind. People often believe that an agreement looks out for best interests and as a consequence don’t bother to consider the text closely. Likewise, users wanting to avoid adware should avoid sites and downloads known to get notorious for carrying adware; people who contain adult content, free offers, and game downloads, for example.