Re: [Full-disclosure] Re: Microsoft AntiSpyware falling furtherbehind

From: Valdis Shkesters (valdis_at_antivirus.lv)
Date: 10/28/05

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    To: <Valdis.Kletnieks@vt.edu>
    Date: Fri, 28 Oct 2005 22:37:23 +0300
    
    

    (This is important day for you, now you know you're not alone ;)

    In regard to spyware, at last I hear clear and logical formulation.
    Theory is nice, but practice differs.
    "In its broader sense, Spyware is used as a synonym for what the
    Anti-Spyware Coalition calls "Spyware and Other Potentially
    Unwanted Technologies":

    . Spyware (narrow)
    . Snoopware
    . Unauthorized Keylogger
    . Unauthorized Screen Scraper
    . Nuisance or Harmful Adware
    . Backdoors
    . Botnets
    . Droneware
    . Unauthorized Dialers
    . Hijackers
    . Rootkits
    . Hacker Tools (including port scanners)
    . Tricklers
    . Unauthorized Tracking Cookies"

    http://www.antispywarecoalition.org/documents/definitions.htm

    On Fri, 28 Oct 2005 17:56:32 +0300, Valdis Shkesters said:

    (Hmm.. usually when I reply to Valdis I'm talking to myself... ;)

    > As today I was preparing news for a portal on IT security,
    > I am informed that Anti-Spyware Coalition is finalizing spyware
    > definition. It is last moment to finalize with spyware, because
    > at the horizon already has appeared "crimeware". Take a look
    > at http://www.antiphishing.org/. I'm quoting: "Technical subterfuge
    > schemes plant crimeware onto PCs to steal credentials directly,
    > often using Trojan keylogger spyware."
    > Maybe it would be better to call Trojan horses Trojan horses?

    No, because they're different.

    Trojan horses (a) get installed under pretense of being something wanted
    or beneficial ("Hey, I'm a neat fun codec that lets you view these
    movies...")
    and (b) once there, gives the attacker a "back door" into the system, to
    do unspecified things (run commands, launch DDoS attacks, send spam, scan
    for other vulnerable software, upload plugins to extend the Trojan's
    functionality,
    or whatever).

    Spyware, on the other hand (a) *may* be installed via Trojan Horse means,
    but may
    also be forcibly inserted on a system via a software vulnerability, or added
    in via the above-mentioned plugin method by an already-present Trojan, and
    (b) is
    software that monitors system activity (keystrokes, screen pixmaps, etc) in
    an
    effort to acquire credentials or other sensitive information.

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