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jayeff · 11-20-2006, 09:15 AM

I'm not a good enough coder to know if it is even possible, but the first issue to tackle must be to prevent the scumware window having focus. If it is the first screen a surfer sees after clicking a link, the chance of the legitimate site getting full value from the surfer is greatly reduced, regardless of whether the scumware window makes a sale or who is credited for it. We have seen recently traffic generators (eg big TGP's) being targeted by scumware, so this is no longer just a question of protecting potential sales.

Otherwise, as regards cookies, wouldn't it be best not to use them at all, since they have other weaknesses, as well as their vulnerability to scumware?

If it is possible, I think this (also) needs to be dealt with from a different perspective, otherwise it becomes like the hitbot issue and unfortunately the smarter scammers always seem to have the time and resources to stay way out in front of those designing protection. Scumware is just one of several reasons why many sponsors should want to be able to identify traffic sources easily and there should be some way of letting them do this which does not depend on the unreliable methods associated with browser headers.

I don't buy into the excuse that sponsors cannot police their traffic, but I do accept that the current ways of doing so are tiresome and far from bulletproof. If someone could devise more efficient tracking, those who do not care would no longer have an excuse and those who want to, could police their traffic more efficiently and more effectively.

11-20-2006, 09:15 AM
jayeff Confirmed User Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 2,944	I'm not a good enough coder to know if it is even possible, but the first issue to tackle must be to prevent the scumware window having focus. If it is the first screen a surfer sees after clicking a link, the chance of the legitimate site getting full value from the surfer is greatly reduced, regardless of whether the scumware window makes a sale or who is credited for it. We have seen recently traffic generators (eg big TGP's) being targeted by scumware, so this is no longer just a question of protecting potential sales. Otherwise, as regards cookies, wouldn't it be best not to use them at all, since they have other weaknesses, as well as their vulnerability to scumware? If it is possible, I think this (also) needs to be dealt with from a different perspective, otherwise it becomes like the hitbot issue and unfortunately the smarter scammers always seem to have the time and resources to stay way out in front of those designing protection. Scumware is just one of several reasons why many sponsors should want to be able to identify traffic sources easily and there should be some way of letting them do this which does not depend on the unreliable methods associated with browser headers. I don't buy into the excuse that sponsors cannot police their traffic, but I do accept that the current ways of doing so are tiresome and far from bulletproof. If someone could devise more efficient tracking, those who do not care would no longer have an excuse and those who want to, could police their traffic more efficiently and more effectively.