My new Who Profits from Security Holes? write-up and video shows a security hole used by a web site to install 16+ unwanted programs on a user's PC, all without notice or consent, including CashBack by Bargain Buddy and WebRebates (both programs known to interfere with affiliate commission tracking).

In the past week, I've also seen Ebates Moe Money Maker installed through security holes.

In my recent testing, CashBack, Ebates, and WebRebates all continue to invoke affiliate links in LS and CJ. But isn't installation through security holes an unusually clear violation of network rules? If so, why don't networks enforce their rules and remove these programs?

Meanwhile, merchants participating in CB, EB, and WR might want to reconsider in light of knowledge of these programs being installed through security holes. I guess the logical next step is for me to prepare a list of merchants participating in these programs.

Anyone else COMPLETELY tired of spyware? Better yet, anyone else completely tired of Microsoft security holes? :black_eye

I totally Agree Spyware and Adware is very annoying. Not only do they contribute to system problems but they also may contribute to the spam problem too and of course redirect and or overwrite affiliate links sometimes.

Ben,

I enjoyed the video you shared at the other forum could you please add a link here for these visitors.

Thanks,

Yeah could you Ben

I'm not sure I understand what you're thinking of. The link above (in my initial post) goes to the write-up (helpful in understanding what's on the video). I generally don't link directly to my video files, from other sites, based on a sense that the web page write-up is a helpful introduction for most watchers; worry of broken links at some point; hope that I can some day find a better way to link to the videos (so they automatically open in a new player window of an appropriate size, not a mini sidebar). Just one more click from my page to the video...

Or were you thinking of some other video?

Back to work, as I try to make another video showing Ebates installation through the security hole. I have the sense that that would be a big deal, considerably beyond my 180/WebRebates/BargainBuddy video, given Ebates many claims of using solely ethical distribution practices.

A perfect place for my signature. :)