MS Antispyware is = Spyware!!

[Naddude]

I just spoke to a developer today who told me that MS
Antispyware transmits exact data about each user's PC
configuration: OS, software and whether they are legitimate
or not. All of that info is permanently stored by MS for
"future use." He advised immediate deinstallation of this
"anti-spyware" software as it itself is spyware.

 

[Bill Sanderson]

This sounds like some possible confusion of issues around the Activation
process of the OS, and the Genuine Validation process--nothing in Microsoft
Antispyware does what you mention, with or without your permission.

Activation is not well understood by many, but it doesn't do this either.

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation.mspx

See the "myths" link in the right column, particularly.

It's pretty hard to disprove statements such as those you are quoting. I
believe that the information sent by Microsoft Antispyware to Microsoft is
carefully described, is optional, and that approvals by the user are
solicited clearly. I also believe that a great many technically
knowledgable folks look at a new product such as this one and examine it for
the kinds of issues you cite--this would make front page news if it were
true. It isn't.

 

[Naddude]

I wasn't referring to activation. MS ASW is an open port
which "checks" for updates daily. As such it sends a
snapshot of your system back to MS containing, software,
serial numbers, configuration and of course your IP
address. So unlike me...if you totally "trust" MS then by
all means you can believe what you like.

Good luck to you.

 

[Bill Sanderson]

Your description of this process simply doesn't sound correct to me. An
open port is an open port. It is not something which checks. Something
which checks, doesn't necessarily send significant info as part of the
check.

Give us some real details--Did you choose to participate in spynet--check
your options settings. Show us what information is being sent.

I don't totally trust anyone, but I do believe that the eulas and assents
involved in installing and running Microsoft Antispyware accurately describe
the interactions involved in using it.

You've carefully not used the term Personally identifying information. This
is the holy grail we all want to avoid transmitting--do you see such
informaton being sent? What, and under what circumstances?

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[Naddude]

I have been told by a very reliable security
developer...that the "allogirhythm" that MS collect is a
euphemism for personal identifying information=formation
every time MS ASW beta "checks" for updates. I trust this
source.

 

[Bill Sanderson]

I don't know how to resolve this--except to say that if your source can
discern this "fact"--then I'd be that he is not the only one in his field
who can do so.

What's his purpose in not trumpeting this information to the rooftops? Is
he afraid of Microsoft? I'd be happy to make sure that his information gets
directly to the very top echelons at Microsoft--either security folks or
executives or both--his choice.

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[naddude]

What does MS do with my personal information?
And if it acts innocently how is it that MS knows exactly
how many validly registered and owned MS os there are out
there????

 

[Guest]

the only problem is that as antispyware it caught some
stuff that AdAware et al did not... the devil you know vs
the devil you dont i guess

 

[Bill Sanderson]

Microsoft publishes very clearly what personal information it collects and
how it is used. They must do this--privacy laws in some areas of the world
are stricter than those in the U.S.

For versions of Windows that are covered by Product Activation, they have an
accurate idea of how many legitimately licensed copies of the OS are out
there--that information is NOT tied to any personally identifying
information.

Even if you register the product in the same connection as Activating--the
information goes completely different places--there's no tie-in.



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