I have recently observed a set of Hotbar installations promoted via ads on kids sites. That's a particularly troubling practice, and one that I'll be writing up shortly. Will follow up with a link when available.

Also, note that I added Hotbar's C&D to my threats page: http://www.benedelman.org/spywar...spyware/ threats
Ben Edelman | Homepage | 05.12.05 - 11:48 am | #

Microsoft were not threatened into removing Hotbar from their detections.More to the point-(scroll to bottom of the page)
http://hotbar.com/site/hotbar/ He...stopSpyware.htm

M$ again!
Ade | 05.15.05 - 1:04 pm | #

I run a Fortinet firewall (Fortigate 800) and have the Grayware fully engaged. HOTBAR IS ON THE LIST! I don't know how they make the claim that they are not on Fortinet's list.

Hey, I have no problem with people trying to make money - but when it costs an organization IT-People-Hours in cleanup and possible information leaks, then it becomes a financial and legal nitemare. Organizations HAVE TO take a pessimistic approach to security and flow of information.
Bill Prehl | 05.15.05 - 5:19 pm | #

I have had HotBar install on my system many times in the past (pre installing CounterSpy) without my consent and have had to use the likes of Ad-Aware to remove it. HotBar is not something I want on my system, and am very grateful for CounterSpy doing such a great job.
Keep up the great work Sunbelt!
nick | 05.15.05 - 11:33 pm | #

I run a PIX firewall and had to physically and explicitly add HOTBAR.COM to the block list of our Websense server software. I was feeling the impact of all the data i/o happening on our network. I ran traces and found Hotbar listed in first place everyday for the amount of traffic being generated without our approval.

Bottom line, it's SPYWARE and will not be allowed on our network.
Gregg Soden | 05.16.05 - 9:17 am | #

I have removed hotbar from at least 5 different clients computers. None of them wanted or knew it was there. Caused conflicts, slowed internet access to a crawl etc.

Maybe I should forward their "letter" to my clients so they know who to actually sue?
Robert King | 05.16.05 - 9:37 am | #

Screw Hotbar! Screw to the wall!
Randy Charles Morin | Homepage | 05.16.05 - 10:15 am | #

We call these programs spyware but maybe we should change the names of the tools we use to something like "Uninstaller for the Unintended"

If a program, like Hotbar, which is not easy to get off your system and which generates a ton of traffic on our already over-worked T-1s, is causing problems then the user should be allowed to uninstall it and other companies should be allowed to help us.

Hang in there -- you may have to set the anti-spyware options during the install to aggressive, moderate or mild but then it is the end user choosing how aggressive the uninstall should be.

I will always choose aggressive for these annoying programs and their annoying companies.

Don't install programs on my computer without my knowledge and don't cause my computer to be used for your profit motives without paying me.
Mark Challender | 05.16.05 - 10:24 am | #

Hotbar has threatened us several times. They are famous for doing this. McAfee detects Hotbar. Spyware Doctor used to detect Hotbar. Ad-Aware was threatened by Hotbar and immediately capitualated as they seem always to do when threatened; which is why Ad-Aware is virtually useless.

Please see http://thundercloud.net/infoave/.../truth- rant.htm

You'll notice the letter we receieved was identical (for the most part) as the one Sunbelt received. We don't even make anti-spyware programs

Thanks,
TC
TC | Homepage | 05.16.05 - 1:36 pm | #

Those who are interested in Hotbar's installation methods may want to look at my new Hotbar article: http://www.benedelman.org/spywar...idzpage-hotbar/ .

In summary: I look at a particular Hotbar installation on a kids site. It does not affirmatively show a license; its license is quite confusing and fails to reasonably disclose the inclusion of ads (among other important provisions); it first mentions ads at a confirmation screen with no "cancel" button.

Details in the article.
Ben Edelman | Homepage | 05.16.05 - 5:46 pm | #

Another inaccuracy in the Hotbar claim to acceptance by reputable companies.
Mcfee still detect them as adware-
http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v...nt/ v_100883.htm
Ade | 05.16.05 - 6:13 pm | #

Spyware is spyware. No matter how benign, it still chews up bandwidth. I have spent countless hours getting rid of Hotbar and others. It might be OK for home use but it has no purpose in the enterprise. Does anyone know where I send the bill for the time spent cleaning the network?
technorex | 05.16.05 - 6:31 pm | #

Please do not be backed into a corner by Hotbar - PLEASE. The MILLIONS of people annoyed to death by this program will love you if you take a stand. Please don't back down like certain Lavasoft programs.

Stricter laws are needed, badly.
A. | 05.18.05 - 12:42 am | #

McAfee don't detect them as spyware anymore - despite the listing in the Virus Information Library.
Anonymous | 05.29.05 - 4:42 am | #

Has noone noticed that the comment above:
"Microsoft were not threatened into removing Hotbar from their detections.More to the point-(scroll to bottom of the page)"

was planted by hotbar? The URLthey include is nothing to do with any advice on helping to stop spyware, but a simple link to download and install hotbar. As such this link is itself malware.
The net doctor | 12.13.07 - 12:22 pm | #

Sorry that you got that cease/desist letter but they can still be fun! my first lawsuit
Jennica Morel | Homepage | 04.22.08 - 10:54 am | #