StopBadware’s activities can be broadly grouped into three areas: data & trends, community, and advocacy. Each of these is explained in more detail below.
Data & trends
At the center of our data work is the Badware Website Clearinghouse, a searchable database of badware URLs that have been submitted to us by our data providers and the community. We use the data to:
- analyze and report (via our blog) on trends in web-based infections
- provide research tools such as the Top 50 Networks list
- assist web hosting companies and other network providers with identifying badware sites on their networks
Community
Badware is a big problem, and solving it requires a collective effort, involving everyone from computer novices to security experts. This is why we’re building a community of individuals committed to the fight against badware. Our BadwareBusters.org site provides a platform for people to:
- teach and learn from each other about badware
- share their badware horror and success stories
- identify useful products and services
- discuss timely issues, such as policy proposals and newsworthy events
Advocacy
We strive to influence sensible changes in policy and behavior—individual, corporate, and governmental—that can reduce the prevalence of badware on the Internet. We also work to ensure that badware prevention efforts are respectful of individual privacy and the open, innovative spirit of the Internet. StopBadware advocacy is reflected in:
- our StopBadware Stories project that raises awareness of the effect of badware on real people.
- our blog, which often highlights and comments upon new developments in fighting badware
- our independent review process, which helps ensure the accuracy of the data reported to our Clearinghouse by our data partners
- our objective guides to preventing badware on your computer, removing badware from your computer, and cleaning and securing your website
Now that you know what we do, perhaps you’d like to get involved.