Marketscore software may compromise PCs

(Dec. 3, 2004)--A new software utility that promises faster Internet page loading may actually expose your private information.

The software, Marketscore, has been described as spyware by security experts. It works by funneling all of your Internet traffic through private network servers, where copies of high-traffic Web pages are saved, or "cached."

By displaying cached information, this service should speed up Web surfing, although users do not seem to be experiencing improved access times.

However, since you are connected to their network, anything you type into a Web page, including SSL-encrypted (secure) information such as passwords and credit card and personal information can be intercepted by Marketscore.

Although the software does not appear to be able to hijack your Web home page or generate pop-up ads, the implication is that your sensitive information is vulnerable.

Experts suggest that you use the Marketscore uninstall utility to remove the software from your PC.

According to the UTSA Office of Information Technology (OIT), it is not permissible to install this software on UTSA-owned PCs, and home PC users should investigate software packages before installing them.

Read more information at Yahoo! News or contact the OIT Help Desk at (210) 458-5833.

--Alex Morones