Security threats Toolkit

Story: Anti-Spyware Coalition to define terms

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The "test" for deciding the "nature" of a software or program is its "functionality" and not its nomenclature. It is difficult to appreciate that by terming a spyware as adware its basic nature and functionality is changed. An adware remains adware even if it is called a spyware and vice-versa.Thus, the true test is the way a particular software or program works. If it's functioning is primarily and predominantly of the nature of spyware it is spyware for all practical and legal purposes.

Fewer's approach of differentiating between an adware and spyware, by relying upon the three components: notice, consent and control, is apt. During installation of an application, it should be clear to the user what the tool does. The user should also have to give permission for installation and should be able to remove the application.

If an adware does not satisfies these components ,breaches the privacy and creats nuisance to the end computer user, it is nothing but spyware irrespective of its nomenclature.

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