WHAT IT IS:

It is a trojan, adware and has been claimed to be a spyware as well.

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HISTORY:

It was advertised on the Internet as a desktop helper that could tell jokes, sing songs, help with schedules, add a shortcut for users to easily search for information on the web, etc. It was also reported to be a keylogger as well.

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Originally, it was a green parrot that would act as a desktop helper, afterwards, it was changed to a purple ape. The software was advertised to ‘interact with users while they are online, providing shopping advice, jokes and trivia.’ 

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CHARACTERISTICS:

While setting up BonziBuddy, he also states that he learns more from the user, the more the user uses the web. This statement suggests that it was all the more reason why it was suspected to be a spyware. It notes down the user’s behaviour and tracks the user’s browsing history.

 

There are times when BonziBuddy prompts the user for in-app purchases as after a point of time, they made some aspects of the software paid.

 

BonziBuddy also resets the user’s default web browser homepage to ‘bonzi.com’ continuously without permission, prompt and tracks information about the user and launches pop-up advertisements.

 

These characteristics justify that it is indeed a spyware and adware as it launches pop-up advertisements by downloading them as well and it tracks the web browsing habits of the user, thus proving it to be a spyware.