Spyware the next Killer App, or just an App Killer?

A year after the FTC hosted a spyware workshop, the problem of unwanted and invasive programs embedding themselves on client platforms has only increased. The fact that the industry behind creation of spyware is estimated to be worth billions might have something to do with it. The Webroot State of Spyware Report found that 88% of consumer platforms and 87% of corporate platforms had spyware present when the system was scanned during a survey conducted in Q1 2005. An interesting look at the state of the spyware vs. anti-spyware universe can be found in this interview with spyware hunter and very bright fellow Ben Edelman. The stakes appear to be growing as spyware makers continue to rapidly and continuously morph their products into more acceptable business forms, using labels such as "behavioral marketing".