Dear colleagues,
I run a very small journalism site called Newswatch (www.newswatch.in).
Recently, a person wrote to me saying that my "website automatically
downloads virus-like spyware (sometimes called "Aurora") onto the computers
of visitors without their knowledge. This is highly unethical, not to
mention a somewhat foolish strategy for attracting and keeping loyal
readers. If you have ever spent several hours trying to rid your own
computer of this nuisance, then you know what I'm talking about."
I think he was justified in being furious.
The fact is that I am a journalist, not a techie. And I hadn't the faintest
idea what he was talking about. I don't have the technology to create
viruses or spywares. But what he pointed out needs to be taken seriously. My
hunch is that it must be because of the ad networks. Some advertiser must be
planting spywares on the comps of my visitors.
The ads that I use are:
(i) Mamma Media Solutions
(ii) Commission Junction
(iii) Amazon
(iv) Bidvertiser
(v) Bidclix
I have no means to find out who is doing this.
I want to know two things:
(i) How can I find out who is using my site to plant spywares?
(ii) If, and once, I do find out, is there a way to blacklist such
advertisers or advertising networks?
Any help / advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Subir Ghosh
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Subir Ghosh
Newswatch
www.newswatch.in
Received on Wed Oct 12 2005 - 09:19:17 CDT
