How Do We Stop Spyware?

A number of folks who have been on the forefront of battling spyware and adware met last week in Washington D.C. I’ve been to a number of AntiSpyware conferences over the years and they seem to get better all the time.

CSI Spyware: Can Investigators Stay Ahead of the Bad Guys?

From left to right

• Chris Boyd aka Paperghost, Facetime Security Labs


• Lance James with Secure Science Corporations


• Alex Eckelberry, Sunbelt Software


• Cindy Southworth, National Network to End Domestic Violence


• Luke Erickson, Federal Trade Commission

Seated up front is longtime supporter of the MyWay searchbar, Kirk Lawrence, IAC Search & Media.

It’s hard quantify what kind of difference these meetings make. In a way it’s like a pep rally that gets many of us excited and motivated to continue our efforts. It’s also excellent to share stories and methodology. While many participants are essentially competitors the cooperation is unlike other industries.

Chris Boyd has posted some photos from the conference as well as some fun tourist travels on Flickr. There’s even proof that I sometimes wear a suit and tie. It’s interesting to view our country through new eyes. Click the photos below for more.

NYC as viewed by a visitor from across the pond.

Anti-Spyware Coalition Still Alive

Later this month, I will be getting together in our nations capital with a number of our friends to discuss that state of spyware. The Anti-Spyware Coalition is holding the event which will consist of various moderated panels.

• User Behavior and Spyware


• Anti-Spyware Liability


• Is Adware Dead?


• CSI Spyware: Can Investigators Stay Ahead of the Bad Guys?


• Education: What Works and What Doesn’t?

The event is open to the public but a $250 admission fee is required unless you’re connected to the government or educational institution. For more information go to http://antispywarecoalition.org/events/jan2008.php

I’ve attended a number of events like this in the past and they’ve all been extremely successful. While the panels can be informative the behind the scenes dinners and informal meetings really make a difference. Every time I’ve gotten together with other good guys it has resulted in an avalanche of information sharing. It also motivates me to get off my butt and continue to make a difference. I’ve been trying to come up with the next big change to WinPatrol and I suspect this meeting will spark an idea.

I’ve posted photos and made mention here of half the planned panel members. There are a few I haven’t met in person yet so I’m really looking forward to this months event. You can click the link above to get a list of who will be participating.

Other references:

CSI Spyware: Better than the TV Show (PaperGhost)
Antispyware Coalition: The History and Future of Spyware (Donna)
Save the date: Anti-Spyware Coalition public workshop (stopBADware.org)