F-Secure Spyware Information Pages : Istbar
| Name: | Istbar |
| Alias: | Integrated Search Technologies, YourSearchBar, Slotch, Slotchbar, XXXToolbar, Toolbarcash, SideFind |
| Type: | Spyware |
In November 2005 a complaint was filed to the Canadian and U.S. governments about Integrated Search Technologies business methods. As a result, the Istbar installers have stopped working.
Istbar is a large family of toolbars from Integrated Search Technologies. The toolbars download and automatically install other spyware, as well as employing pop-up advertisements, search and browser hijacks. Istbar is distributed by use of drive-by downloads, drive-by ActiveX installs and use of software exploits.
Integrated Search Technologies has built several toolbars that are gathered into the family Istbar.
Two large public interests organizations (CDT and CIPPIC) filed, on the 3rd of November 2005, an official complaint about Integrated Search Technologies business practices. The complaint was filed to U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Canadian Competition Bureau. Shortly after the complaint was filed, the installers for the Istbar family of toolbars stopped working. It is unclear whether Istbar spyware that is already installed still operates.
CDT, Center for Democracy & Technology
www.cdt.org
CIPPIC, Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic
www.cippic.ca
FTC, Federal Trade Commission
www.ftc.gov
Canadian Competition Bureau
www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
Technical Details: Stefan Lundstrom, November 24th, 2005;
Write-up: Dan Nye, November 24th, 2005;
F-Secure Corporation
|
