There are a number of new technologies which allow advertisers
to steal your web traffic directly off of the surface of your
web site.
Smart Tags and Smart Links are a fairly new form of linking technology
which Microsoft included in its browsers and allows links to be
added to web content via the IE browser. Browser linking technologies
work with client side add-on plug-in software features designed
to work with Internet Explorer (primarily for PC) and started
when Microsoft incorporated "smarttags" or "smartlinks"
into the Explorer Browser. It was soon discovered this feature
could be exploited to add plug-ins that would enable unique "smartlinks"
that a large numbers of web surfers could view. This ability has
developed into a new form of advertising called contextual advertising.
Please do not misunderstand me, I am not against opt-in advertising
programs whether they be banner ads, or ad linking. I strongly
believe that web site owners should have the right to advertise
but I also believe they should have the right to control the viewable
content of their web sites and be able to choose who can use their
site for advertising. If I am selling a service or a product I
strongly object to my direct competitors being able to use my
site to sell their products or services. Nor do I want my viewers
to get the impression that I am endorsing a product or service
that I did not agree to endorse.
The primary difference between the problems discussed on this
site and the many other forms of advertising is that these programs
are not opt-in and a number of unethical developers and ad servers
have decided to cash in on this new technology by developing their
own unique plug-ins which are now currently being distributed
on as add on bundles within a large number of shareware software
products. (Netscape browsers do not appear to be effected)
This technology developed and expanded with a merger of the now
defunct Napster searching & networking capabilities and distribution
methods of the new Peer to Peer File sharing programs. Currently
one of these plug-ins called TopText is being used on a large
scale to misdirect web surfers by inserting advertising links
into the body of unsuspecting web sites sites. TopText is a plug-in
developed by a San Francisco company called eZula. Also known
as iLookup, HotText, ContextPro. eZula is famous for adding ugly
orange-yellow advertising links to web pages without authorization
from the owners. (Another form of web viewer theft is Gator's
banner Ad switching.) Here is an interesting article which explains
this concept contextual advertising and Gator in more depth: Is
gatoring unfair or illegal?
eZula
is cashing in by selling
key
words and phrases on a large scale and transforming them into
active ad links where ever they appear on the web.
Here is an excerpt
from their promotional material claiming to have a database
of over 5,000 words to sell to advertisers. eZula distributes
TopText by hiding these plug-ins as bundled components to freeware
& shareware software programs to be downloaded by unsuspecting
people. eZula's TopText is included with many shareware programs
but is primarily distributed with "peer to peer" file
sharing applications used to manage and search for MP3s on the
Gnutella network such GoZilla, Limewire, Bearshare, Audiogalaxy,
iMesh, & KaZaa. (see our article The
Dirty Little Secret About KaZaa and iMesh)
As an example of the scope and extent of the number computers
that are effected consider that an estimated 293 MILLION computer
users have downloaded KaZaa Media Desktop just from CNet.com in
the United States alone. These estimates do not include the figures
from the many other download locations across the internet. If
you include these other locations that this program can be downloaded
from that figure could well be doubled.That means that well over
600 million computers can see these unauthorized ad links which
can redirect your viewers!
These plug-ins will allow individuals browsing a web site to
view unauthorized advertising hotlinks which are broadcasted to
the infected browsers of consumers all over the world. eZula essentially
rides on a web sites URL without paying any of the maintenance
costs, and dilutes the value of authorized advertising purchased
directly from the web site by the display of these unauthorized
competing advertising links. It changes the appearance of the
site by superimposing it's links on top of the web page text,
and causes confusion for consumers when superimposed over the
sites preexisting links. This practice is a clear case of copyright
infringement and deceptive advertising.
eZula is not the only one!
This new technology has splintered off and is being used by several
different marketers. This is a very new technology and very little
information or outside documentation exists on the subject, however,
it is a growing phenomenon as more and more people experiment
with it's uses and capabilities as well as misuses. (Which is
why I have developed this site.)
There are several different developers of this type of software
which are available as free downloads. Browser biased linking
- also called "Contextual Advertising" - can be accomplished
in several ways depending on the software used. In some instances
users of these products can add links to other sites by the broadcasting
of key words and phrases and assigning attributes to them which
will turn them into links back to their own particular web address
while others it is accomplished by highlighting key words, images
or entire pages of web sties to transform objects or word elements
within the IE browser window into active hotlinks.
Like other programs, DeltaClick (another program that uses contextual
advertising through a BHO called DeltaBar) can segment consumers
based on the category of sites being visited, surfing behavior
or preferences, and user-supplied demographics. The system can
also target specific URLs -- allowing an automobile retailer to
have its Web site link appear when users visit Autobytel.com,
for instance -- and lets marketers input a brief text message
next to their site link or special offer.
Although the primary exploiter of this new technology is eZula's
TopText there are several others, one of which a program called
"ClientMan" which displays links very similar to TopText
Links. Although it is not related to TopText it does display the
yellow links in a similar way. It also opens pop-up ads. Its operator,
odysseusmarketing, is Walt Rines, a notorious spammer. It claims
to be written for him by nostrumindia.com, a software development
company. I am waiting for more information on this new "pest",
however, I have been told that the latest version of Spybot with
the latest updates should be able to target it. Another alarming
aspect of "ClientMan" is that it can by-pass ZoneAlarm's
Firewall program. When "ClientMan" installs itself it
automatically clicks to "yes" and "always"
button of ZoneAlarm to allow it full access to the internet without
the user knowing.
Another software called
Surf+
which had posed a significant risk to web developers and site
owners also had the capability of adding working hotlinks to viewable
web content, although currently they have suspended the transmission
of their linking program they could resume at any time. Flyswat/QuickClick
is another software one that has had the ability to add competitor
links to the viewable surface of a users browser window. Flyswat
was part of NBCI and the status of this currently defunct program
is unknown. Yet another product which can ad links is a small
stand alone product called Browseup, a new company which needs
to be watched.
With a different spin on traffic stealing, there is a company
called Gator with their own unethical advertising program. Although
they are not adding textual hotlinks they have developed the ability
to exchange authorized advertising pop-ups with their own clients
ads. Please read our article Is Gator Highjacking your Banner
Ads? for more information.
eZula's TopText advertising program is operating on a very organized
platform working with a large list of paying clients. The links
are broadcasted on a very large scale and processed in such a
way that they can track the "click through" rate for
billing the clients. (see our Hall of Shame for a detailed list
of clients.) eZula links appear as dark yellow and highlight bright
yellow when you mouse over them and even pop up an annotation
description! See our TopText Screen Shots for examples of what
they can do.
As mentioned earlier, Surf+ which is also included in a large
number of freeware and shareware programs has temporarily suspended
it's linking program, however when they were in full operation
they did not appear to be working in an organized and structured
way. Clients were allowed to ad their own links to point to any
URL of their choosing for mass broadcasting to any browser which
also has a Surf+ plug-in. Surf+ links were notorious for leading
unsuspecting surfers to pornography and other inappropriate content.
There is great concern that once Surf+ reorganizes their program
they will be up and running again. Surf+ highlighted the words
they were transforming into links with blue/green highlighted
overlay. What is ironic is that Surf+ advertises it's self as
a filtering program to restrict pop-up's and cookies!
Flyswat/QuickClick has undergone several ownership changes over
the past two years. Originally a stand alone program, NBCi used
the technology under the name QuickClick, however, with the demise
of NBCi their QuickClick program stands in limbo. Flyswat was
also used in NeoPlanet 5.1 which bundled Flyswat into its self-styled
'Internet Desktop.' Flyswat also created yellow links within the
web pages along with a drop down menu. These links could overlay
any existing hyperlinks on a page. Although NBCi has been dissolved
and Neoplanet is now working with Annotate.net the final fate
of Flyswat is undermined. We are waiting to see who purchases
the rights to this defunct software. During it's use it was very
similar to eZula's technology and was also used as a reference
tool as demonstrated by this screenshot.
Most of these programs broadcast links look like standard underlined
hotlinks to the average user. To the average person or uninformed
surfer all these links appear as a link that could have placed
there by the web site developer so naturally viewers click on
them.
Browseup is another software company that has the ability to
ad links onto the surface of other web sites. They have a sophisticated
product which allows users to not only ad simple text links but
also allows them the ability of dragging and dropping images and
text files over a preexisting web site. The result of this is
that a user of this type of software then has the capability of
building a completely virtual web site layered over yours by utilizing
this layering technique thereby "piggy-backing" on your
URL. Currently they are a stand alone downloadable freeware product
and to our knowledge at this time they are not bundling their
product with other softwares companies. Due to the alarming and
sophisticated abilities of this program they bear close watching.
Since these links are more or less a layer operating through
the client side browser it is not impaired or hindered by server
firewalls. Nor does it require any change in the actual web documents
coding. All of this is can be accomplished without the site owners
knowledge or authorization.
The companies that produces and market these types of technologies
tout them as a wonderful breakthroughs which will enhance the
web surfers browsing experience. The purpose of this technology
was originally to allow people to form a small network of interlinked
sites and annotations for research (i.e.for educational or scientific
research) or as an improved method of searching the web for particular
information as in the case of the MP3 software. An additional
capability these programs is the they fall into the "spyware"
category are also able to track, profile and monitor the consumers
to target specific advertisements.
Most of these links look like standard underlined hotlinks (either
dark yellow or blue depending on the type) in the body of the
standard text of a web site and highlight bright yellow when you
mouse over them and even pop up an annotation description
To the average person they look like normal links that were placed
there by the web site developer so naturally viewers click on
them.
This technology works with object linking and open hyperdocument
system (OHS). It does not alter the main sites coding in anyway.
It is almost as if a transparent layer has been added over the
existing web site through the IE browser which they can add new
content directly over your existing web site. This is what is
called contextual advertising however many concerned web developers
call it Theftware & ScumWare. Since it is more or less a layer
operating through the browser it is not impaired or hindered by
firewalls. All of this is can be accomplished without the site
owners knowledge or authorization.
This is a very new technology very little information or outside
documentation exists on the subject, however, it is a growing
phenomenon as more and more people download this free software
and experiment with it's uses and capabilities as well as misuses.
(Which is why I have developed this site.) This new technology
has splintered off and are being used by several different marketers.
The primary user of this new technology is eZula and Top Text,
next is Surf+, another is Browseup (a new one who needs to be
watched) and then there is Gater with their own spin working with
pop-up ads. (There are some other versions popping up but at his
writing I do not have much documentation on them.)
The potential for abuse of these types of softwares by unscrupulous
individuals who misuse them can be far reaching. They currently
are allowing competitors to add links to the surface of your web
site and lure your potential clients and customers over to their
own web sites, and they have the the potential to allow people
to turn your web site into a portal to pornographic sites and
material and even attach x-rated images to the surface of your
site. These new technologies can lend themselves to plain old
fashioned harassment and malicious mischief of all sorts leading
your visitors to strange and unrelated locations.
The companies that produces and market these types of technology
tout them as a wonderful breakthrough which will enhance the web
surfers browsing experience. The purpose of this technology was
originally to allow people to form a small network of interlinked
sites and annotations for research (i.e.for educational or scientific
research) or as an improved method of searching the web for particular
information as in the case of the MP3 software.
The potential for abuse of this type of software by unscrupulous
individuals who misuse it can be far reaching. It currently is
allowing competitors to link to the surface of your web site and
lure your potential clients and customers over to their own web
sites, and has the the potential to allow people to turn your
web site into a portal to pornographic sites and material and
even attach x-rated images to the surface of your site, to plain
old fashioned harassment and malicious mischief of all sorts leading
your visitors to strange and unrelated locations.
As of this writing we know of only one search engine that is
actively partnered with eZula and that is LookSmart. For more
information on this please see Thiefware's report at http://www.thiefware.com/looksmart.ezula.shtml
This is a clear violation of regulations set down by the FTC against
unfair competition in the market place. Please take the time to
check out our legal information section to file a complaint against
eZula with the FTC!
Another sad but true fact, is that since this is a relatively
new technology, the average person does not even know that is
exists or how to use it. The abuses that are currently occurring
are being done by professionals within the internet hi-tech world!
Unfortunately, at the currently there are no specific laws regarding
the use and abuse of this technology, however, there are a number
of FTC regulations to protect us -- all we need to do is start
filing complaints.
Written by Debbie St.Clair
UnwantedLinks.com
Reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
Additional Concerns
Banner Ad Switching
Gator, now known as Claria Corporation, is a major marketing
adserver who utilizes a technology that give them the ablity to
switch your paid advertising with those of their own clients.
So far they have been unstoppable and have won a number of law
suits that have been logged against them. (See our information
on Gator)
Affilate Earning Theft
There are several sypware programs that have the abiltiy to redirect
affiliate links strings to steal the affiliate earning directy
from sponsoring web sites. (See our information of
Affiliate theft)
Malicious Spyware Hackers
There also commercial programs that can be remotely installed
onto computers (yes even business computers) to quietly monitor
your employees while they perform their work. These keystroke
loggers can capture every thing your employees do on their computers!
Although the original targeted market for these types of spy products
are parents and spouses these types of programs can be sent to
unsuspecting businesses. There are a number of commercial products
that are currently on the market that allows someone to email
a malicious installer to unsuspecting receivers which will spy
on the receivers through the use of keystroke loggers and can
even take screen shots of the infected computer while it is in
use. These programs can be remotely monitored by the sender to
gather confidential business information. One of the key distributors
of this types of malware are iSpyNOW and other programs include
SpyBuddy, Matrix Spy Software. The FBI is also investigating another
company called LoverSpy which sends an email greeting complete
with malware installer which also has these same capabilities.
'Spyware' steps out of the shadows
Last modified: November 19, 2003, 4:00 AM PST
By John Borland
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Late in July, an e-mail that hit employee in-boxes at a British
credit card and finance company carried a secret payload--"spyware"
capable of recording confidential corporate data and sending it
over the Net.
Labeled "Wedding Invitation," the e-mail looked at first
like spam or an ordinary worm. But consultants at security company
Clearswift now believe that the e-mail was part of a targeted
attack on the victim company aimed at extracting specific information--a
nightmare scenario in the corporate security world.
Clearswift says the incident highlights a dangerous new trend
in computer breaches, where spyware applications increasingly
play a starring role. Relatively benign attacks intended to win
attention by disrupting networks are being eclipsed by sophisticated
attempts to steal passwords and other confidential information
that can be used to deliver cash.
"The good old days of script kiddies and geeks are well gone,"
said Pete Simpson, manager of Clearswift's ThreatLab division.
"These are criminal gangs, and the motive is clearly profit."
http://news.com.com/2100-1032_3-5108965.html
Alert your viewers about spyware
with our spyware detection script!
Help us raise awareness of the problems of spyware by alerting
your website visitors if they have spyware installed on
their computers. If we can alert consumers to this problem
it will benefit all of us as a whole. Only through awareness
will it be possible to eventually stop these unethical marketing
practices. If you would like to help us simply add the following
remote script to your web site which will alert your viewers
and visitors if they have spyware installed on their computers.
<script language="JavaScript"
src="http://www.unwantedlinks.com/parasite/parasite3.js">
</script>
This script can be placed anywhere in the body of your
site and remains totally invisible unless it detects at
least one of several browser based spyware plug-ins (including
TopText). Therefore, the spyware alert will only be viewable
to those viewers who have at least one of the identified
spyware programs installed at which point it will display
an simple text alert letting them know about it. Our script
can currently identify 124 different spyware programs. (
For more information
and to see a sample click here!)
Or feel free to use a copy of our spyware quotes script
to help raise awareness which appears in our left panel
<script language="JavaScript"
src="http://www.unwantedlinks.com/spywarequotes-feed.js"
type="text/JavaScript"></script>
This script will feed one quote at the exact location it
is placed within your site. It rotates a total of 30 random
spyware quotes. (This script will display additional random
quotes if it is included more than once) You can enclose
it in font tags to match your site text.
Here is a sample of how it looks.
|
Did you know that many spyware programs can generate
pornography on your computer?
Click here for more information!
| **
Spyware & Adware Test Scan **
If you are viewing this site with Internet
Explorer and see an alert displayed here then it is an indication
that your computer is infected with one or more spyware
programs that we can scan for. If you do not see any alert
displayed in the center of this notice then our scan did
not detect any of the 122 spyware programs we can scan for,
however, there are still many other programs out there that
we can not yet scan for.
Please note: Currently
we can scan for a 122 distinct spyware programs that can
effect PC users and the alert will only be display if a
specific targeted program is identified. Unfortunately,
we are limited to finding only certain types of spyware
and there are many other forms of spyware and adware that
we can not currently test for.
In addition, our test scan does not
work well with NetScape or other browsers, if you suspect
that you might have spyware on your computer please feel
free to check this page while using Internet Explorer.
Also, if you have a Personal FireWall installed it may
interfere with our ability to scan your computer for Parasite
Adware and Spyware. |
Special
TopText & Surf+ UpDate 11/02/04
We have discovered that there are Contextual Advertising
Links which look very similar to TopText & Surf+ links
which are legitimate and sponsored by participating web
sites for more information
click here! |
Additional Web Master Alerts!
Find out about LookSmart's partnership with eZula
http://www.thiefware.com/looksmart.ezula.shtml
Did you know that the adware/spyware adserver WhenUSaveNow has
the ability to STEAL your affiliate earnings! Find out about how
WhenU Save Now is able to snatch your affiliate earnings away
from you.
http://www.thiefware.com/whenu/
Consumers
These new programs effect you since they use spyware to do their
dirty work -- please check out our Consumer
Info section for more information on spyware and how to protect
your privacy! (Additional note: GoZilla, Limewire, Bearshare,
and Audiogalaxy also include spyware & theftware programs
such as Gator, TopText, Cydoor and SaveNow! For more information
see our
Help & Reference Guide)
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