It has crossed everyone’s mind at one time or another. Could companies that manufacture anti-virus, spyware removal, and firewall software be creating and releasing viruses and spyware just to generate a need for their software? Unfortunately, this type of behavior is a distinct possibility as shown by the filing of this lawsuit.

Web surfers unsuspectingly download the spyware when they visit Web sites that contain certain banner ads. The spyware is able to enter the computer through a hole in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Web browser. It redirects Web browsers, causes CD trays to mysteriously open, and generally slows down the infected computer. It also starts a series of aggravating pop-ups that advise the computer user to purchase one of two programs, Spy Wiper and Spy Deleter. The pop-ups promise that these programs will rectify the problems with your computer. Sanford’s two companies, Seismic Entertainment Productions Inc. and SmartBot.Net Inc. have been named in the lawsuit.

This is the first time that the FTC has taken action against a company for secretly installing software. While several states have already enacted laws against spyware, currently there are no national “spyware” laws. The FTC will prosecute this case based on laws against deceptive business actions. The Legislature currently has several anti-spyware laws under consideration.

This is scary stuff, folks. Thank goodness the FTC has taken some action. Let’s hope that if the legislature comes up with some spyware laws they will be more effective than the recently enacted anti-spam legislation. I am now receiving more spam than I was before the spam law went into effect. While spam is aggravating and costly, it is not as devastating as the deceptive practices allegedly used by Mr. Wallace.

We must stop this type of behavior before it becomes more widespread. If you want to see what can happen when unscrupulous companies take control, rent the Sandra Bullock movie “The Net” where the main character has her identity stolen. Another movie called “AntiTrust” shows what can happen when a large computer manufacturer goes awry.  Let’s hope our law-makers recognize the importance of the legislation they are now considering.

Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your computer.

• Make sure that you use the Windows update feature to keep your software up-to-date.
• Use a different Web browser. Because Internet Explorer is the most widely used Web browser, it is usually the one used by conmen and deceitful marketers. So consider using an alternative Web browser like Opera, which can be found at www.opera.com or Firefox, which can be downloaded at www.getfirefox.com.  Mr. Wallace’s banner ads will not download his devious software to your computer if you are using Opera, Firefox, Netscape or any browser other than Internet Explorer.
• Don’t purchase Spy Wiper or Spy Deleter.

In fact, when you purchase anything from spam or from a pop-up ad, you feed the spam and pop-up frenzy. Do not buy anything from an unsolicited e-mail or pop-up ad.