F-Secure
Tools
Adware:/Zango
| Name : | Adware:/Zango |
| Category: | Riskware |
| Type: | Adware |
| Author: | Zango |
| Website: | http://www.zango.com |
Summary
This program delivers advertising content to the user. It is usually annoying but harmless, unless it is combined with spyware or trackware.
Additional Details
Update
On June 7th, 2006, 180Solutions merged with Hotbar to form Zango. For more details, please see the 180Solutions description.
* * * * *
Zango is an ad-delivery application. It monitors browser usage and delivers targeted advertisements as pop-up windows to the user.
These are various freewares (such as games) that are bundled with advertising from 180Solutions. The games are basically free, as other companies depend on 180Solutions to push their advertising content onto the clients' desktops.
To display targeted advertisements, Zango software collects information about user web-searches and surfing habits and submits the data to Zango's servers. Advertisements are displayed as pop-up messages directing the user to third party websites.
Attracts Under Aged Users
Some of the software that Zango bundles with is attractive to children. This is a sample installation page of one of the games that bundle Zango with it:
In addition, if Zango is installed, games and instant messaging add-ons (doll avatars, emoticons and so on) are provided for free on websites attractive to children. One such example is:
The EULA clearly states that the software is not allowed for installation by anyone under 18 years of age. The EULA states:
Note
Many different names have been used in Zango's history. Metrics Direct is a brand used for selling advertisement space. ZangoCash is a pay-per-install affiliates program.
Zango also has a number of associated software products:
Some of these products have been discontinued. Some affiliates used trojans to silently install software from the list above.
On June 7th, 2006, 180Solutions merged with Hotbar to form Zango. For more details, please see the 180Solutions description.
* * * * *
Zango is an ad-delivery application. It monitors browser usage and delivers targeted advertisements as pop-up windows to the user.
These are various freewares (such as games) that are bundled with advertising from 180Solutions. The games are basically free, as other companies depend on 180Solutions to push their advertising content onto the clients' desktops.
To display targeted advertisements, Zango software collects information about user web-searches and surfing habits and submits the data to Zango's servers. Advertisements are displayed as pop-up messages directing the user to third party websites.
Attracts Under Aged Users
Some of the software that Zango bundles with is attractive to children. This is a sample installation page of one of the games that bundle Zango with it:
In addition, if Zango is installed, games and instant messaging add-ons (doll avatars, emoticons and so on) are provided for free on websites attractive to children. One such example is:
The EULA clearly states that the software is not allowed for installation by anyone under 18 years of age. The EULA states:
• "You must be at least 18 years of age to Use the Licensed Software. By accepting the terms of this Agreement and Using the Licensed Software, you represent that you are over the age of 18."
Note
Many different names have been used in Zango's history. Metrics Direct is a brand used for selling advertisement space. ZangoCash is a pay-per-install affiliates program.
Zango also has a number of associated software products:
• Seekmo Search Assistant
• WindUpdates
• WinAD
• Media Access
• Media Gateway
• Media Pass
Some of these products have been discontinued. Some affiliates used trojans to silently install software from the list above.