Viewpoint Corporation, installer of Trojans
So, I check my computer this morning and I find that some software named "Viewpoint Media Player" has updated itself and is asking me for permission to apply the update.
"That's weird", I think to myself, "I don't remember installing any such software".
I check out the little pop-up in the lower right hand corner and quickly discover that the "Media Player" update is actually their way of trying to install their toolbar application! I really dislike companies whose business model is deception! I investigate where this "Viewpoint Media Player" came from. It appears that AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) was the delivery agent of this Trojan. I clicked "No Thanks" to the "Upgrade" and immediately when to Add/Remove Programs and uninstalled the two "Viewpoint" softwares. Then, a simple Search revealed a half-dozen more files which deleted nicely.
I Googled Viewpoint Corporation and they seem to be a company on the rise. They are big into advertising. Interestingly I also found an on-line petition.
The online petition quoted the bit below:
From Privacy Statement @ http://www.viewpoint.com/vp_license_privacy.html :
The on-line petition requested that Viewpoint cease this practice as it compromises the security of any computer which their software has been installed.
Personally, I think I'll just boycott the company. I added viewpoint.com to the Restricted Sites zone on my Internet Explorer, as well as creativepro.com which was the prior name of the company and they still own the website.
Did I mention I really dislike companies who use dishonest (deceptive) methods to install their software?
"That's weird", I think to myself, "I don't remember installing any such software".
I check out the little pop-up in the lower right hand corner and quickly discover that the "Media Player" update is actually their way of trying to install their toolbar application! I really dislike companies whose business model is deception! I investigate where this "Viewpoint Media Player" came from. It appears that AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) was the delivery agent of this Trojan. I clicked "No Thanks" to the "Upgrade" and immediately when to Add/Remove Programs and uninstalled the two "Viewpoint" softwares. Then, a simple Search revealed a half-dozen more files which deleted nicely.
I Googled Viewpoint Corporation and they seem to be a company on the rise. They are big into advertising. Interestingly I also found an on-line petition.
The online petition quoted the bit below:
From Privacy Statement @ http://www.viewpoint.com/vp_license_privacy.html :
"Viewpoint may download updates, upgrades, and/or Third Party Software during these communications or when the Software detects a file that requires a component that is currently not installed. These downloads will occur automatically and without any advance notification to you."
"Viewpoint is not responsible for any Third Party Software and shall have no liability for your use of Third Party Software."
The on-line petition requested that Viewpoint cease this practice as it compromises the security of any computer which their software has been installed.
Personally, I think I'll just boycott the company. I added viewpoint.com to the Restricted Sites zone on my Internet Explorer, as well as creativepro.com which was the prior name of the company and they still own the website.
Did I mention I really dislike companies who use dishonest (deceptive) methods to install their software?
posted by Bryan at 10:23 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home