Anti-Spyware Watchdogs Clamp On MP3Searh Site

Music seekers visiting the 'FastMP3Search.com.ar' Website should be cautious, said the 'Center for Democracy and Technology' and 'StopBadware.org'. These anti-spyware groups have detected programs in MP3 search site that behave like spyware.

The Website registered in Argentina claims to provide service to search music files, but has been found to trick people into installing malicious applications onto their PCs, thereby exposing the machines to more cyber attacks.
'StopBadware' said when they tested a random sampling of the site's content, they discovered the content was bundled with components that were working as Trojan horse. The user, however, does not know about its installation, said 'StopBadware' on its website. The 'downloads' take place without the user's consent and are almost impossible to uninstall. During the tests of the Web site, StopBadware failed to download any MP3 file from the site.

Also, the anti-spyware watchdogs observed that the free download stops the working of the Windows firewall, modifies homepage settings, damages valid Web addresses for authorized security companies, and hampers the computers' performance.

According to John Palfrey, co-director of StopBadware, the coalition had encountered dozens of malicious programs in the past on hundreds of websites. But undoubtedly, 'FastMP3Search.com.ar tops their list of worst cyber manipulators.

The consumer protection group has still now not been able to track down the owner or operator of FastMP3Search.com.ar. But it hopes that Federal Trade Commission can identify the person(s) behind the site and their location, said a representative for StopBadware. The coalition has filed a formal complaint with the FTC perceiving that it will develop additional effort to take action against rogue sites and software. The Commission with the power to question deceptive and unfair practices that are harmful to commerce will be able to investigate the owners and operators of FastMP3Search.com.ar, and take action appropriately.

The representative further shared that FTC had been successful in working with governments to help clamp on malicious websites and applications. StopBadware combined with CDT have asked the agency to stop the Web site's practices. The Google-directed visitors to FastMP3Search.com.ar receive a message: "Visiting this website may harm your computer!"

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» SPAMfighter News - 12/11/2006