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February 13, 2008
The Evolution of SpyWare
Spyware has sadly become a household word in America. There are so many different flavors of it with even more purposes that it's amazing. Someday, ordering a pizza may become an eye opening experience on just how much personal information can end up out there.
Recently, a popular site called FaceBook, was highlighted on CBS's 60 Minutes. It was a story on how FaceBook shares information between members rather publicly using Beacon's software. In this story on 60 Minutes in January, the ad software by a company called Beacon is called into question. It is the part of FaceBook that tells your online buddies what your preferences are. In this case, a man's purchase of an expensive diamond ring to his wife was exposed to his wife via FaceBook, spoiling the suprise. In that case an expensive suprise was spoiled. Imagine what other embarrassing items might come to light unintentionally.
So remember folks, when you post something online, you never know where that information is going to end up. If you wouldn't shout it out in a room ful lof listening strangers, then think twice about posting it.
Or next time you try to order that meat lover's pizza, you could end up with a beansprout sandwich. :)
Posted by Bernie at February 13, 2008 11:55 AM