Anti-spyware guidelines get final version | CNET News.com

Anti-spyware guidelines get final version CNET News.com: "A coalition of software companies have agreed on standard methods for identifying and combating spyware, those unwelcome downloads that have plagued Internet users with pop-up ads and other annoyances.
The Anti-Spyware Coalition, whose members include Microsoft, Symantec, Computer Associates, McAfee, AOL and Yahoo, said on Thursday that it has finalized its spyware detection guidelines. The final version takes into account public comments on a proposed version introduced in October.
Spyware and adware have become widely despised for their sneaky distribution tactics, unauthorized data gathering and tying-up of computer processing power. Although adware makers say there are legitimate uses for their programs, an entire anti-spyware market has been spawned to combat the stuff.
The Anti-Spyware Coalition's guidelines, or risk model description, aim to provide a common way to classify spyware, based on risks a piece of software poses to consumers. They also suggest ways to handle software, based on those risk levels.
Among the behaviors the group considers high-risk are programs that replicate themselves via mass e-mails, worms and viruses. Also, programs that install themselves without a user's permission or knowledge, via a security exploit, are also deemed high-risk, as are programs that intercept e-mail or instant messages without user consent, transmit personally identifiable data, or change security settings. "