Spyware Finally on the Defensive

Nov 1, 2004 12:00 PM

Computer users may have become accustomed to “spyware” attacking and infecting home and business computers, but the U.S. House of Representatives is trying to put makers of the software on the defensive.

The House passed two bills in three days that would outlaw spyware software, designed to covertly monitor the activities of Internet users.

One bill would add penalties of up to five years in prison for people convicted of installing such programs without a computer user's permission.

The bill, known as the “Internet Spyware Prevention Act,” passed 415-0. It would give the Justice Department $10 million to crack down on companies and others that secretly install spyware and those who attempt to trick victims into disclosing personal details and financial information in e-mail scams popularly known as “phishing.”

Anyone caught installing spyware to change a computer's security settings or steal a victim's personal information — such as an e-mail address, telephone number or bank account number — could be sentenced up to two years in prison.

The House voted 399-1 to pass the “Spy Act,” sponsored by Rep. Mary Bono (R-Calif.), which would add hefty civil penalties over the use of spyware.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

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