Hacker News Reader

Comment by kristofferR | Hacker News Reader

That's not how malware is defined - Windows ain't malware just because they occasionally make Edge open instead of what you thought were your default browser. The malware definition is way more specific than simply software that doesn't always follow user intent.

View on HN

It actually does fall under the definition malware. Specifically, Honey hijacks affiliate marketing tags and replaces them with their own. This falls under the definition of the “spyware” category of malware.

Spyware is software that sends information about the user (browsing history, etc) to a 3rd party.

Many affiliate browser extensions do indeed do this, as an extra revenue stream. In fact, I'd recommend never installing a coupon browser extension. But replacing one number with another does not meet the above definition of spyware.

See Spyware: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware

"Programs designed to monitor users' web browsing, display unsolicited advertisements, *or redirect affiliate marketing revenues* are called spyware."

Well, that's clearly incorrect: software displaying unsolicited advertisements is called adware, and requires no spying at all.

> Spyware is a form of malware that hides on your device, monitors your activity, and steals sensitive information like bank details and passwords [0]

> Spyware is loosely defined as malicious software designed to enter your computer device, gather data about you, and forward it to a third-party without your consent. [1]

> Spyware is malicious software that secretly monitors your activity and collects sensitive information, like passwords, location data, or browsing habits, without your consent. [2][3]

0: https://www.malwarebytes.com/spyware

1: https://usa.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/spyware

2: https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/spyware

3: https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/spyware

Reply on news.ycombinator.com