Gary’s Note: The following article points out the risk of using some free software. I recommend that no user ever make use of tools that provide free coupons or other teasers that require you to install spyware such as the comScore program. You should also avoid any “free” software tool that automatically installs such spyware. I recommend only installing software from reliable and safe sources. The Free Software Catalog here at gara.com is a great place to find software that does not stealthily install spyware.

by Dan Levine and Jim Finkle | Reuters | Aug 23, 2011

Online data tracking service comScore Inc siphons confidential information including passwords, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers from unsuspecting users, according to a lawsuit filed on Tuesday.

The proposed class action lawsuit, filed on behalf of two plaintiffs who downloaded comScore software, also says comScore scans all files on users’ personal computers and modifies security settings, among other allegations.

The lawsuit against comScore, one of the leading companies that measures and analyzes Internet traffic, seeks an injunction against several alleged practices, as well as damages under U.S. electronic communications privacy laws.

ComScore collects data from people who get free software and chances to enter sweepstakes in exchange for their participation. It sells that information to more than 1,800 businesses around the world, including Best Buy Co, Facebook, Microsoft Corp and Yahoo Inc, according to comScore’s website.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 24th, 2011 at 8:18 am and is filed under Free Software, Security. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.