Close
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Cybersecurity
    • Cybersecurity
    • IT Management

    Congress Questions Pending Spyware Bill

    Written by

    Caron Carlson
    Published May 16, 2005
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

      Even as they move rapidly toward taking action against malicious software programs in the next few weeks, federal lawmakers recognize that any move they make will likely have a limited effect on the huge problem of spyware.

      Fearing that a pending anti-spyware bill, the Spyblock Act, could inadvertently hamper legitimate downloadable products, software makers are busy lobbying for legislation that would pre-empt myriad state initiatives under way.

      Earlier this month, Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates was on Capitol Hill talking to lawmakers about a market-driven approach to battling spyware—an approach that has won a number of adherents in Congress.

      As an alternative to the Spyblock Act, a new measure introduced last week would provide increased resources and tools to enforce existing laws against fraud and deception, set a national standard for unfair and deceptive practices, and increase civil and criminal penalties. It would focus on criminal behavior rather than target a specific technology.

      Among vocal anti-spyware advocates are a growing number who acknowledge the role technology can play in fighting spyware.

      “Theres no way we can be agile enough,” said Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., last week at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. “I think most of the responsibility falls on the folks who represent the different ends of the industry.”

      Many lawmakers, however, continue to favor provisions in Spyblock that ban the installation of software without notice and consent from users and that require that users be able to easily and completely remove software, arguing that existing laws are not sufficient.

      “Nobody thinks the software they produce is spyware,” Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said at the Senate committee hearing last week. “Clearly its still going on even though there have been lawsuits filed.”

      IT managers who have to combat malicious software on a daily basis are not waiting for lawmakers to act, although many do not object to the initiatives in Congress.

      “I dont see anything wrong with [federal anti-spyware legislation] because it keeps it in the forefront of the public,” said Leland Tingle, IT director for Overseas Express, a division of Raptim International Travel, which provides discount travel services for missionaries and relief workers. “Do I think a specific law is going to help? Not really.”

      The Chicago-based company is as vulnerable to malicious software as any other company, Tingle said. While he supports anti-spyware initiatives in Congress for their ability to raise awareness about the gravity of the problem, Tingle said he continues to rely on firewalls and other technology to keep his network secure.

      Since January, Overseas Express has been using NetOp Desktop Firewall technology from CrossTec Corp., which prevents unwanted applications and processes from executing. It allows Tingle to manage the workstations for the entire company from one central server. He can adjust security settings and halt processes centrally to stop a malicious program within moments of infection.

      “When you have that many machines to baby-sit, all it takes is one attack,” said Tingle, adding that these days he worries most about Trojan attacks. “I keep a pretty high line of defense.”

      Check out eWEEK.coms for the latest security news, reviews and analysis. And for insights on security coverage around the Web, take a look at eWEEK.com Security Center Editor Larry Seltzers Weblog.

      Caron Carlson
      Caron Carlson

      Get the Free Newsletter!

      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis

      Get the Free Newsletter!

      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Artificial Intelligence

      9 Best AI 3D Generators You Need...

      Sam Rinko - June 25, 2024 0
      AI 3D Generators are powerful tools for many different industries. Discover the best AI 3D Generators, and learn which is best for your specific use case.
      Read more
      Cloud

      RingCentral Expands Its Collaboration Platform

      Zeus Kerravala - November 22, 2023 0
      RingCentral adds AI-enabled contact center and hybrid event products to its suite of collaboration services.
      Read more
      Artificial Intelligence

      8 Best AI Data Analytics Software &...

      Aminu Abdullahi - January 18, 2024 0
      Learn the top AI data analytics software to use. Compare AI data analytics solutions & features to make the best choice for your business.
      Read more
      Latest News

      Zeus Kerravala on Networking: Multicloud, 5G, and...

      James Maguire - December 16, 2022 0
      I spoke with Zeus Kerravala, industry analyst at ZK Research, about the rapid changes in enterprise networking, as tech advances and digital transformation prompt...
      Read more
      Video

      Datadog President Amit Agarwal on Trends in...

      James Maguire - November 11, 2022 0
      I spoke with Amit Agarwal, President of Datadog, about infrastructure observability, from current trends to key challenges to the future of this rapidly growing...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2024 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×