thepolkapunk (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} thepolkapunk) wrote,@ 2005-06-30 11:31:00 |
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Microsoft in talks to purchase Malware Company
As reported by news.com, Microsoft is in talks to buy Claria, the company responsible for Gator and a host of other malware programs. According to the article: "The offer price on the table as recently as Wednesday was $500 million, according to people who have been briefed on the talks."
Microsoft has been attempting to upgrade its image regarding security for the past few years. Security experts and the general public have been blaming the pandemic of spyware on Microsoft's insecure operating systems and web browser. These talks clearly demonstrates that Microsoft approves of spyware. No matter what improvements they may make to their systems, purchasing a spyware company for 500 million dollars sends out a message that pursuits in illegal malware will be rewarded!
Many point out that Claria makes programs that are much less obtrusive than Gator and Microsoft is interested because of that. This does not change the fact, however, that their software is installed without a user's knowledge and collects information from a user's computer without his or her consent. Others speculate Microsoft is interested in purchasing Claria to get their programs off the market, but once more, this is rewarding Claria for its bad and arguably illegal behavior!
How can a company that says they care about the computer security be trusted if it is purchasing the very software that is attacking its customers? It does not matter why they are purchasing the company; by rewarding those who create it, Microsoft is giving spyware its seal of approval!
As reported by news.com, Microsoft is in talks to buy Claria, the company responsible for Gator and a host of other malware programs. According to the article: "The offer price on the table as recently as Wednesday was $500 million, according to people who have been briefed on the talks."
Microsoft has been attempting to upgrade its image regarding security for the past few years. Security experts and the general public have been blaming the pandemic of spyware on Microsoft's insecure operating systems and web browser. These talks clearly demonstrates that Microsoft approves of spyware. No matter what improvements they may make to their systems, purchasing a spyware company for 500 million dollars sends out a message that pursuits in illegal malware will be rewarded!
Many point out that Claria makes programs that are much less obtrusive than Gator and Microsoft is interested because of that. This does not change the fact, however, that their software is installed without a user's knowledge and collects information from a user's computer without his or her consent. Others speculate Microsoft is interested in purchasing Claria to get their programs off the market, but once more, this is rewarding Claria for its bad and arguably illegal behavior!
How can a company that says they care about the computer security be trusted if it is purchasing the very software that is attacking its customers? It does not matter why they are purchasing the company; by rewarding those who create it, Microsoft is giving spyware its seal of approval!
