Spyware Taxonomy Evolving

In advance of the release of its Windows AntiSpyware product, Microsoft has published more detailed criteria for categorizing potentially unwanted software (PUS), such as adware or spyware. The criteria will continue to evolve as Microsoft and its partners work to balance the interests of users, who do not want software that threatens their security, privacy, or the stability of their computer, and software developers, who continue to create a variety of applications for Windows that use new business models, such as having the user agree to view advertising in exchange for using the software or service.

Basic Classification Scheme

The PUS taxonomy is the basis for a library of information about software, which, like antivirus software’s signature files, is used to decide whether a piece of software should be quarantined until it can be determined whether the user wants it or removed if the user does not want it. To determine if software is PUS, the taxonomy attempts to balance the following factors: