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Anti Spyware Coalition

The anti-spyware industry offers a robust selection of tools to consumers in the marketplace. As is to be expected in such an environment, the rating systems used to classify Spyware and other Potentially Unwanted Technologies vary between Anti-Spyware vendors. The members of ASC believe that reputable anti-spyware companies should be transparent about their decisions to help users understand how anti-spyware tools make decisions; software publishers understand what may concern users; and Anti-Spyware vendors share information about emerging threats.

To facilitate that transparency, the ASC has developed a list of a broad set of behaviors that its members can use to help users make decisions. We expect the list to change over time as new bad practices are discovered.

Behavior that may impact users / Relative Impact

Installation & Distribution, including but not limited to:

Replication behavior (mass-mailing, worming, or viral) High. Installs without user’s explicit permission or knowledge, such as not providing or ignoring user’s request to cancel installation, drive-by installation, use of a security exploit, or software that meets other risk factors and is undisclosed in a software bundle (Note: The rating of High. indicates a typical rating for this item and its relative risk. The specific weight may vary depending on the severity.) High.

Uninstalls other applications, such as competitive programs High. Software updates automatically Medium. Program downloads or installs software that has potentially unwanted behavior, as described in definitions document (Reminder: The rating of High indicates a typical rating for this item and its relative risk. The specific weight may vary depending on the severity or amount of items installed.) High.

Identification & Control, including but not limited to

Has incomplete or inaccurate identifying information Medium. Program obfuscated with tools that make it difficult to identify, such as a packer Medium. No indication the program is running inside an application, such as an icon, toolbar or window Low. No indication the program is running standalone, such as a taskbar, window or tray icon Low. Program runs automatically without explicit user consent Low

Networking, including but not limited to:

Proxies, redirects or relays the user’s network traffic or modifies the networking stack High. Creates or modifies “hosts” file to divert domain reference without user permission or knowledge at time of change High. Changes default networking settings (Broadband, telephony, wireless, etc.) High. Dials phone numbers or holds open connections without user permission or knowledge. High. Alters the default internet connection to connect at a premium rate (i.e. 2x normal rate) High.

Data Collection, including but not limited to:

Transmits personally identifiable data (Reminder: Technologies are neutral, and only a concern when abused. A behavior can be acceptable with notice and consent). High. Collects personal information, but stores it locally Medium. Intercepts communication, such as email or IM conversations (without appropriate notice and consent) High. Uploads arbitrary data, some of which could be personally identifiable Medium. Uploads data that can be used used to track user behavior offline and online as well as other types of data that may be sensitive, yet not personally identifiable Low. Uses tracking cookies to collect information (Reminder: Each Anti-Spyware vendor weighs a behavior according to their own policy. ASC recommends that vendors that utilize this criteria make it clear to users that they do so, affording users the opportunity to make an informed marketplace decision) Low.

Computer Security, including but not limited to

Changes the contents of files the program did not originally create that most user-level applications would not normally modify High. Hides files, processes, program windows or other information from the user or system tools High. Allows remote users to alter or access the system (files, registry entries, other data) High. Allows host security to be bypassed (privilege elevation, credential spoofing, password cracking, etc.) High. Allows remote parties to identify vulnerabilities on the host or elsewhere on the network High. Allows remote control over a computer, including process creation, spamming, or attacks on third parties High. Disables security software, such as AntiVirus or Firewall software High. Lowers security settings, such as in the browser, application, or operating system High. Allows for remote control of the application, beyond self-update High.

User Experience, including but not limited to:

Advertising

Displays external advertisements (ie, not created by online content—e.g., web pages—to which users deliberately surf) that are not attributed to their source program High. Displays external advertisements that are indirectly attributed to the source program (such as a pop-up with a label) Medium. Displays external advertisements that are clearly attributed to the source program, such as starting alongside the program Low. Replaces or otherwise alters web page content, such as search results or links High.

Settings

Changes browser pages or settings (error page, home page, search page, etc.) Medium. Modifies user settings such as favorites, icons, shortcuts, etc. Low.

System Integrity

Causes frequent system instability Low. Uses excessive resources (CPU, Memory, Disk, Handles, Bandwidth) Low. Attaches to other programs, such as the browser, using a non-standard method Low. Disables or interferes with functionality of system (right-click behavior, ability to use system tools, etc.) High.

Source is antispywarecoalition.org.