Web-tracking and Adware

HannahMuihrienne

Julie Chris

Levels of Familiarity

Number of Indiv. In Class

DefinitionsDefinitions

• Cookies: Cookies: are small text files downloaded to a are small text files downloaded to a user’s computer that preserves preferences user’s computer that preserves preferences on specific websiteson specific websites– First Party Cookies: First Party Cookies: Used by site host domainUsed by site host domain– Third Party Cookies: Third Party Cookies: Used by domains other than Used by domains other than

one currently viewingone currently viewing» 11stst party: www.example1.org party: www.example1.org» 33rdrd party: www.example1.net party: www.example1.net

DefinitionsDefinitions• Adware: is a software package that displays

advertising materials on to an individual’s computer

• Spyware: are commercially produced for the purpose of gathering information about computer users

Why Created?

• Cookies remember customer preferences.Cookies remember customer preferences.• Adware increase company profits.Adware increase company profits.– Piggybacks on cookies to target customersPiggybacks on cookies to target customers

• Spyware is a type of adwareSpyware is a type of adware– Designed to aggregate data across websitesDesigned to aggregate data across websites

Benefits of CookiesBenefits of Cookies

• Convenient for users who aren’t computer Convenient for users who aren’t computer savvy. savvy. – Remembers User Names and PasswordsRemembers User Names and Passwords– Allows for searches and shopping carts to be Allows for searches and shopping carts to be

saved over multiple visits.saved over multiple visits.

Benefits of Cookies

• Data collection is made possible.– Online sellers lack the ability to see their

customers like the owner of a physical store. Data collection allows them to gain a better understanding of their customers and market their product in order to effectively compete with the physical stores.

Using CookiesUsing Cookies

• Use allows marketers to know their target Use allows marketers to know their target customers with advertisements.customers with advertisements.– Makes online shopping experience more personal.Makes online shopping experience more personal.– Example: Similar to VIC CardsExample: Similar to VIC Cards– Example: Gmail Example: Gmail

o Relationship between Adware and CookiesRelationship between Adware and Cookies

Drawbacks

• Unwanted Effects– Popups– Slow down/Degradation of system

o Adware Attack

Drawbacks

• Adware commercially produced at users expense– Often bundled with “free” software– Costs arise through pop-ups/system slow-downs

• Many users unintentionally download adware– Because they don’t read EULA

DrawbacksDrawbacks

• SecuritySecurity

– Third party access to information.Third party access to information.– Hackers Hackers

– AOL exampleAOL example

Users’ Privacy Is Invaded By These Programs

Number of Indiv. In Class

Do Users’ Have the Right to Privacy?Do Users’ Have the Right to Privacy?

• Invasion of PrivacyInvasion of Privacy– Not aware when information is being stored.Not aware when information is being stored.– Don’t know how long information is stored.Don’t know how long information is stored.– Example: Gmail Example: Gmail

• Users agree to privacy agreements.Users agree to privacy agreements.– The information is there, but users rarely read itThe information is there, but users rarely read it

Government Should Be Allowed to Collect Information

Number of Indiv. In Class

Should the Government Have Should the Government Have Access to Information?Access to Information?

Should the Government Have Access Should the Government Have Access to Information?to Information?

• Several weeks worth of search queries were Several weeks worth of search queries were subpoenaed by the Justice Departmentsubpoenaed by the Justice Department– Test a filtering system to limit children’s exposure to Test a filtering system to limit children’s exposure to

pornographypornography

• New statutes now require ISP’s to keep New statutes now require ISP’s to keep informationinformation– Help fight global terrorismHelp fight global terrorism– Limit children’s exposure to online pornographyLimit children’s exposure to online pornography

Solutions

• Do-Not-Track-Me List• Opt-in settings• Educating users

Group Activity

• Break up into groups and discuss criticisms of these solutions.– Do you think they will work? Why or why not?

• Can you think of other possible solutions?

Guide to Protection

• Protection video

Web-tracking and Adware

HannahMuihrienne

Julie Chris