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Spyware 'must be analysed'

In order to determine whether a piece of code is spyware, it must be analysed in full, it has been suggested.

Electrical engineer and IT security commentator Drew Pilton recommends the use of an "advanced anti-spyware program" in order to protect a computer system.

The advice comes in an article on the Paper Flower Factory blog, which notes that not all spyware is necessarily catastrophic.

Mr Pilton explains that spyware may not initially be harmful - but that there remains the potential for damage to be done.

He writes: "For a computer, a spyware program looks like any other program.

"In order to discern between a legitimate one and a malicious one, the program's code itself has to be analysed."

Paul I Etkin recently wrote on the Twin Peaks blog that spyware should only be considered as such if consent is not given for it to be installed.

He added that software installed with approval - such as adware - can sometimes be used legitimately to help fund licences for programs which are otherwise free.

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