Spyware hunt...

00jon00 · Mon 07/06/2004 09:12:31

Ok, I'm extremely sick of Spyware in all of its forms (Malware, trackware, cookiecrap, thiefware, IE Hijacker, etc) I'm proud to announce that I am writing some software that will take spyware...debug it and get a bunch of info (i.e. sending comps IP address, etc) and then send it back with a virus...I don't care if its illegal, It's just a simple case of Computer self-defense.Ã,Â (a.k.a.-"They started it!") Wish me luck!

Peter Thomas · Mon 07/06/2004 10:24:51

um, okay, I'm a little divided on this.

While I think it's a terribly good idea and I wish you all the best, spyware isn't actually illegal, because it has a privacy policy/disclaimer - even if you don't see it.

Sending a virus back at them when they haven't acted outside their statement (however annoying it might be) could land you in a little (or a lot) of trouble.

But if you DO go ahead with it, at least make it free!

00jon00 · Mon 07/06/2004 10:28:25

I know that spyware is legal...so lame, but hey there's nothing we can do about that. I'm going with my plans, I don't care if I get in trouble (I know, sounds like a bad thing) and was told by a friend to sell it, but I was already leaning towards freeware...I don't want people to pay just to get 18 or older pop-ups and other crap to go away

Peter Thomas · Mon 07/06/2004 10:58:50

I don't think you could make people pay for it even if you tried. Paying for an illegal program will get you in a CRAP-load of trouble. Moreso that just downloading a cracked program or something, because they usually make enough money not to care about the couple of hundred people that get it free. But there's no way in hell I would ever pay for a program that would draw people's attention to me.

I still think your nuts, though. Most spyware programs don't come from 16 year olds who play on their mummy's computer. Most of them come from businesses. More importantly - business with MONEY which means they can AFFORD to sue your BUTT for a lot more than you think. And I can tell you now - if I knew someone had designed a program to send me a virus when I had done nothing wrong - I would want your balls nailed to the wall.

Timosity · Mon 07/06/2004 11:20:11

Just send them a disclaimer within the virus telling them what they are getting.

I'm sure it won't work as their security should stop the virus.

but seriously, spyware isn't that much of a problem if you don't use IE and don't download or use programs that have the included 'software'.

you may get some from websites but they are easily gotten rid of.

What you should do is start tracking the spyware, see where all the data it collects goes, steal the results, study the results, then you should have enough info to start up your own multinational co. by which you will have the means to take over all the companies that use spyware, then remove the spyware, run the spy's out of business, create an adventure game about it, then sell it (with included spyware with no disclaimer)

Moox · Mon 07/06/2004 16:54:46

Try adaware or spybot search and destroy, they always work. Dont be a script kiddie and send a virus, just make a firewall so you cant get the spyware in the first place.

Mr Jake · Mon 07/06/2004 17:36:39

You know techicially if you can access the data gathered by the spyware its not secure enough under the DPA, so Id guess that means they should be using it in the first place so I guess that means that by doing this you kinda make it illegal for them to gather info with it.

But I could be wrong.

LGM · Mon 07/06/2004 19:34:41

I reccomend you use Spybot and Adaware and stop making new topics every time your computer makes even the slightest noise.