Is the Yahoo Toolbar Spyware?

[Jay Bollyn]

I am thinking about prohibiting the Yahoo toolbar on my network. Is this toolbar spyware, or is it known to open the door for other spyware?

I need as much specific detail as possible, so I can defend my position.

Thanks for any info.

:-) Jay

[Jon Finley · Accepted solution]

So far, it looks benign. IF your Users are running XP SP2, they've got MOST of the features, without the Yahoo messenger add-in.

My only concern is with the "Detect RSS feeds" ability, in that this feature probably CAN be hacked and used to plant content. But it's a feature that needs to be turned on.
http://toolbar.yahoo.com/ie?.cpdl=fp
http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/toolbar/toolbar-03.html

My preference is either the google Toolbar (with a minimal load and no reporting ability), or just the bare built-in IE tools.

Jon

[Ron Kinner]

It may not be spyware but it is being installed just like spyware:

http://dynamicflash.com/2005/03/yahoo-toolbar-now-bundled-with-macromedia-flash-player/

Yahoo is also in bed with some of the adware companies:

http://www.pcpitstop.com/gator/Yahoo.asp

I remove it all of the time. Most people have no idea how it got there or how to get rid of it.

Why don't you install it on a test machine that has Zone Alarm on it and see if it tries to call home?

Ron

[lowster]

I would have to say that it is, when you run it, it leaves your system, that should not happen, I just got through dumping messenger, now I am going to dump the Yahoo all alone and just keep the SBC.

Regards
Chris

[lowster]

The first thing it does is call home, but is it checking for updates, or is it something that doesn't want to get noticed?

Chris

[Pat]

I have the SBC/Yahoo toolbar. I've never thought of it as spyware any more so than any other browser where techs can watch your every move.

Pat

[Michael Dillman]

If you want to be technical about it, I would be more concerned about IP Insigt, whcih is used to track your web visits to customize your experience. You don't need any of the SBC software, just use the network wizard to setup a broadband connection that needs user name and password.

[Pat]

Michael is right. The IP Insight Manager is on the Norton list with instructions on how to remove it.


Pat

[Jim Kisco]

I've prohibited it at two of my client offices...In Windows 2000 I've found it to somewhat unstable and it seems to attract spyware. The messenger seem to be the most dangerous part of the software.
It doesn't crash systems, but it corrupts files...........

I can't tell you how many times I've uninstalled it.......
And I totally agree that it should not be installed when setting up your DSL connection.

I've had great success with google toolbar.

Go figure, I do like the yahoo web mail feature of the SBC DSL account. Secure and quick........

Jim

[lowster]

look at this

[Michael Dillman]

Jim,
We have problems with it at work, most specificially the connection manager part of the program, which has now been replaced by a self service plugin provided by Motive, Inc., who make most of the recovery programs for the OEM's......seems to try to go out to yahoo first, which the firewall doesn't like much.....

[lowster]

This is a e-mail I recieved from Yahoo about my recent ordeal;

Case Status: Closed

Solution Details: We understand from your communication that you have
an issue related to IP Insight. We understand your concern and
apologize for the inconvenience caused.

We would like to inform you that IP Insight is a file related to SBC
Yahoo! Connection Manager. IP Insight is a dynamic package that collects
data from your computer and save it on our server. Initially, it
contains information regarding drivers and application, hardware
configuration and other information. This will not transfer your any personal
information. Therefore, it is not an adware program. You can mark it as
safe in your anti-virus software.
Please review the resolution below for your case to confirm that the issue is resolved. If we do not hear from you, we will
assume that this case can be closed.

[Jay Bollyn]

Thanks to all; this discussion was helpful.

:-) Jay