The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines spyware as "software that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their consent, or asserts control over a computer without the consumer's knowledge." Metamail licenses its software to highly reputable companies that abide by strict anti-SPAM and privacy provisions. In addition, Metamail licensees must conform to anti-SPAM and best practices provisions of the Metamail Trusted Publisher Network.
What is Spyware? - Spyware is installed on your system when you click on an unknown or unsafe link. Once you click, a software application is installed on your computer system without your knowledge, and it can be used to invade your privacy.
Metamail strictly prohibits any unsolicited communications or data gathering practices. Metamail entirely permission-based and conforms to all government regulations and industry best practices.
There are basically three major types of spyware. One is adware, which collects information about your web browsing habits in order to display strategic ads on your web browser, or imbeds ads directly into your existing software without your permission.
Metamail does not permit or support adware features whatsoever.
The second is a system monitor, the most popular of which is the key logger, a software program that traps every keystroke you make to capture information such as user names, passwords, and critical financial information like credit-card numbers.
Metamail is the industry's most safe and secure messaging technology. It has been specifically engineered to protect consumers against all types of online fraud, including key logging programs.
The third and perhaps worst type of spyware is the Trojan horse. This is a destructive program that masquerades as a helpful one on your computer. This spyware was named after the story in Homer's Iliad, in which the Greeks give a giant wooden horse to their foes, seemingly as a peace offering. Once the Trojan horse is allowed into your system, however, it pops up countless ads that claim to rid your computer of viruses but instead introduce viruses onto your hard drive.
Metamail has been specifically designed to prevent the spread of SPAM, viruses, and Trojan horse programs, etc.
How is Spyware Spread? - Spyware is typically distributed by hackers who are paid for every user's system they contaminate. Lurking mostly on open forums and unregulated sites, hackers will usually entice a user with a message like "come and see my picture". When the user clicks on the link, they normally get a message like "come back later to see my picture". The message is fake, but once the link has been clicked, the system contamination is all too real.
Metamail messages are completely safe (encrypted) and can only come from a Trusted Publisher source. All Metamail messages are permission-based and must include clear opt-out mechanisms. The Metamail Reader includes a built-in "feedback" feature that allows users to instantly inform the Metamail Trusted Publisher Network authority of any concerns. This authority will rigorously investigate all complaints and report back to consumers. Metamail retains the right to revoke the commercial license of any company deemed to be in violation of its privacy regulations and best practice policies.
Unlike spyware, Metamail can be easily removed at any time using the Windows uninstall utility.