Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
The world's leading Internet search engine Google has begun warning users from visiting websites that may harm their computers.
The warning pops up if you click on a link that leads to a site known to host spyware or other malicious software. These sites have been catalogued by the Stop Badware coalition, which includes Google, and has listed sites which pester users with unwanted ads, spy on web habits or steal personal data.
The coalition began in January, part of a wider movement against websites that try to trick users into installing malicious programmes. Initially, the warnings will be generic, but are promised to become more detailed as coalition researchers learn more about the sites.
Stop Badware describes itself as a 'neighbourhood watch'-style project campaigning against malicious software, an industry which the coalition claims is worth US$2 billion per year with up to 59 American users' computers currently infected with spyware or malicious software.
It is also encouraging users to report sites that contain malicious content.
For information on anti-spyware programmes contact your local computer software stockist.
For more information on Stop Badware, visit http://www.stopbadware.org.
What is spyware?
Spyware: Software that monitors your computer and then sends this information over the Internet to a third party. Unlike viruses it does not tend to replicate, but infects your computer for commercial gain. Commonly associated with identity theft.
Adware: Software that displays advertisements with or without the user's consent. Websites can install software on a computer that generates advertisements. Spyware can also be used to deliver targeted advertisements based on the victim's web history.
Click fraud: Spyware that redirects the payment of affiliate marketing revenues from the legitimate affiliate.
