Between malware and clean software, a gray area
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Computer security experts say that there is a small but growing category of software that, while it cannot be considered actual malware, nevertheless distributes itself in unscrupulous ways. This, according to ESET's Robert Lipovsky, is grayware.
Some types of online sites, said Lipovsky in an interview with Irish IT website Tech Central, are more likely than most to be considered grayware distributors. These include online gambling and videogame sites, which frequently distribute their downloads more aggressively than most due to affiliate marketing pressure.
Some products can serve legitimate functions, but be difficult to remove from a PC or tout misleading features in an attempt to convince customers to purchase upgraded versions. Lipovksy advises caution and research before downloading any possibly questionable product. Misspellings and curious design are all possible signs of a troublesome download, and a quick Google search can turn up warnings against many grayware products.
Rogue anti-virus programs are the most prevalent form of grayware currently making the rounds, although many security experts classify the so-called "scareware" as out-and-out malicious, scamming money from panicky users.
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