Monitoring software sales model gets the rug pulled out from under it. RemoteSpy, a keystroke logger application, sold by CyberSpy Software (fail on name alone) has had its sales blocked by a US court.
From PC World:
The FTC’s complaint said CyberSpy violated regulations prohibiting the installation of software without the consent of a user and surreptitiously collecting personal data. The FTC is seeking a permanent ban on the sale of RemoteSpy and wants the company to forfeit its gains from sales of the program.
RemoteSpy was advertised as being undetectable by antivirus software and was sold using the slogan “Spy on Anyone. From Anywhere.” The company’s Web site was down as of Tuesday, but Google’s cache of its home page showed the program sold for US$89.95 with free technical support.
CyberSpy Software gave its customers special instructions on how to e-mail the program to an intended victim, disguising it as a harmless photo file.
For under $90 you too can violate someone’s privacy. WTF? I find it odd that this product which has been on sale since 2005 is only now receiving the ire of the FTC. Don’t get me wrong I’m pleased to see it.
From the cached version of the website,
CyberSpy is an award-winning spy software that features powerful computer monitoring and internet monitoring.
CyberSpy software started with CyberSpy, our flagship computer monitoring product. CyberSpy is a local computer monitoring product perfect for monitoring your home or office computers. With stealth capabilities CyberSpy can secretly record all keystrokes typed, websites visited, internet conversations, documents opened, and so much more!
Award winning? There are awards for spyware? Do they have a dinner with watered down drinks, rented tuxedos and rubber chicken dinners?