Masters Dissertation on Spyware

unner · Mar 7, 2006

Firstly, allow me to apologise if you feel this thread should be in another forum.

I'm considering doing a dissertation on Spyware as part of an MSc. Having previously worked for Spyware Doctor I gained an interest in malware and first became aware of this sites professional attitude to the problem.

So, I know the area I wish to study but I need a problem within the area to research.
I want to produce a paper that will add to the field, so I'm asking the experts what needs more research.

So far I have 2 areas in mind but I think it's all been done before, bear in mind these titles are only rough drafts and I'm using the term Spyware to encompass all variants:
Users perceptions of the general term Spyware (is it for advertising, malicious or spying purposes)
Will using alternative browsers to IE continue to prevent SPyware in the future? (evolution of spyware)

I would be interested in hearing your comments/ideas on the above and any other areas that are interesting to you.

Many Thanks

Matt.

Keep up the good work!

chaslang · Mar 7, 2006

Welcome to MGs Matt!

I would first suggest that you not use the term Spyware as it does not convey the proper message. While more people are familiar with the term spyware rather than malware, malware is the proper term to use. Spyware only covers things that spy on you, it does not cover all the other things that frequently occur in the malware world. These include (in addition to spyware)
- adware (including popup & pop unders)
- hijackers
- keyloggers & password stealers
- phishing programs
- rogue antispyware applications
- rootkits
- spammers
- trojans
- viruses

Actually all areas have been covered before. The latest a greatest twists are the use of rootkits. This may be an area worth investigating and writing a report on. It is one that not too many people are familiar with yet but it is growing in popularity (with malware creators) now. There are significant writeups on rootkits already but the same can be said of other forms of malware too. I'm not sure what your requirements are but you will not really find it easy to write about something that is unknown (at least not to people like those who work in these forums).

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Masters Dissertation on Spyware

unner Private E-2

chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member