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 Badware Behavior |
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| Bundled application cannot easily be closed (Interferes with computer use) |
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| Deceptive uninstallation prompts (Unacceptable uninstallation) |
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| Bundled software automatically runs on startup (Interferes with computer use without disclosure) |
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 Behavior to Be Aware Of |
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| Installs adware (Deceptive Installation) |
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| Displays pop-up ads (Interferes with computer use) |
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| Redirects invalid web addresses (Modifies other software) |
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| Bad or Undisclosed Behavior |
| Bundled application cannot easily be closed |
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The WhenU application always runs in the background of the user's computer. There is no way to close the
application without using the Windows Task Manager to end the process or the Windows Add/Remove Programs
tool to completely uninstall it. The WhenU install screen should make it clear that it will run in the
background at all times. The WhenU application should also place an icon in the system taskbar that
allows a user to see when it is running and close the application if desired.
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| Bundled software automatically runs on startup |
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The WhenU application automatically runs each time computer is started. Since WhenU runs in the
background, there is no way for a user to know the software does this, and there is no option to change
this behavior. The WhenU install screen should use human-readable language to inform users that it will
automatically run every time a user starts their system.
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| Deceptive uninstallation prompts |
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While uninstalling New.net, a dialog box warns users that if they uninstall New.net they "may no longer
be able to access websites with extensions such as .inc, .family, .shop and .travel." These extensions
are created by New.net, and are not official domains. However, this warning may be confusing to an
average user, who might believe that they will no longer be able to access websites with official
top-level domains.
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| Disclosed Behavior |
| Installs adware programs |
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Installs two bundled adware applications, WhenU SaveNow and New.net. Both of these programs are
ad-supported, and the installation of each is disclosed to the user during installation.
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| Displays pop-up ads |
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The WhenU SaveNow software displays advertisements based on the websites users visit. The pop-up web
advertisements feature a small blue bar at the bottom of the window. The bar identifies that the ad is
from WhenU SaveNow and includes additional information, including information about how to remove the
program. The displaying of these pop-up ads is disclosed to the user during installation.
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| Redirects invalid web addresses |
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The New.net software "[d]elivers targeted Internet search results (sponsored and un-sponsored) when you
type a keyword or unresolvable web site address into your browser address bar." This means that if the
user types in an address that doesn't exist, they'll see a New.net webpage instead of the default error
page. The redirection of these invalid addresses is disclosed to the user during installation.
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| Recommendations |
| We recommend that the producers of Italian Soccer v.9 do the following: |
- Do not hide the fact that WhenU is running or make it impossible to close.
- Do not attempt to dissuade users from uninstalling New.net by using deceptive uninstallation prompts.
- Disclose to the user during installation that WhenU will run automatically at startup.
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We currently recommend that users do not install the version of Italian Soccer wallpaper that we tested,
unless the user is comfortable with the level of risk we identify or until the application
is updated consistent with the recommendations in this report.
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