[Am-info] Hidden Programs on Free Software Could Pose Problems

[Fred A. Miller]

From: The SANS Weekly Security News Overview

Hidden Programs on Free Software Could Pose Problems

Programs piggy-backing on free software can take actions ranging from
sending users ads to gathering surfing habits to changing Internet
settings.  Some can make computers crash.  They could eventually be
used by hackers to take more malicious action.
http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/ptech/04/14/tag.along.software.ap/index.html
[Editor's (Paller) Note: This article points out risks in legitimate
free programs. An even more dangerous related risk is posed by the
screen savers, fake pictures and music, and bogus security patch
alerts created as malicious software. Unsuspecting users receive spam
instant messages or spam email or visit web sites telling them to
take advantage of a free download. When they execute the downloaded
program, their systems are immediately infected. See April 11 Aphex
Worm story for a current example.]

-- 
Fred A. Miller
Systems Administrator
Cornell Univ. Press Services
fm@cupserv.org, www.cupserv.org
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