What is Spyware?
Spyware is a term being used today to describe several threats to your computer if it connects to the Internet. Technically speaking, spyware is any software or program that gets installed on your computer without your knowledge or permission. The definition is rather broad and open for interpretation, but for the purposes of helping you understand and protect yourself against spyware, it’ll do for now.
When someone speaks of spyware, they often refer to other types of programming including worms, trojans, adware, pop-ups, and others, but adware is responsible for the vast majority of problems with computers. It’s what gives you popups, etc. Note that spyware does not include viruses - that’s a whole different topic. Enough of the techno-speak, on to the important stuff.
How do I detect spyware? For the home user, there are some free tools that do a very nice job of detecting or blocking most spyware, adware, trojans, etc. To get the rest off your computer, it takes someone with a good knowledge of what they’re looking for and what to do when it’s found. Someone like me. I’m currently using several programs and utilities to sweep a computer to get the junk off of it, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get rid of the trash.
Three free programs available for free download are SpyBot (security.kolla.de), AdAware (www.lavasoft.de), Microsoft’s Windows Defender (www.microsoft.com only available for XP with Service Pack 2). All are free for personal use, and are updatable. Windows Defender runs in the background and does a good job of blocking and alerting you to threats. Spybot and Adaware help find some of the unwanted junk on your computer, but they’re increasingly being outpaced by the paid-for products.
Two very good applications that you must pay for in order to use are CounterSpy (www.sunbelt-software.com), and Spy Sweeper (www.webroot.com). Unless you’re constantly finding problems on your computer, or continue to get pop-ups even after sweeping your computer with the free products mentioned above, you probably don’t need to buy any of these programs. However, it’s up to you - I don’t make anything off of it if you do.
How do I prevent spyware from getting on my computer? Good question. First, use the programs already mentioned - they’ll prevent a lot from getting on your computer. NEVER click on a pop-up. No matter how convincing the pop-up looks or what it tells you about spyware or viruses found, low mortgage rates, or CD trays opening, don’t click on it. Close it by clicking on the X in the upper right hand corner. If there’s no X, do a C-A-D, and close it via the task manager. Also, be very careful about downloading ”free” applications. Unless you’ve read a review from a reputable source, or researched the application thoroughly, don’t download it. Websearch, CoolWebSearch, MyWebSearch, ZestyFind, etc., are all examples of free applications loaded with trouble.
Next, make sure you have all the security updates from Microsoft. The folks at Microsoft made it pretty easy for you to do that. Simply open Internet Explorer, and click on Tools / Windows Update.
Absolutely stay away from any form of adult site, warez site (sites offering bootleg software, key codes, etc.) or sites that look odd or have a lot of broken links. File sharing programs like Kazaa, Morpheous, Limewire, etc., are known to be loaded with adware (they call it “third party software”). Read what Fred Langa, popular author computer expert, recommends for your computer security.
How do I prevent pop-ups? In general, use Windows Defender or one of the paid-for products. For those with XP, make sure you have Service Pack 2 installed - it’ll enable Internet Explorer to block popups. If you’re still using Windows98 or Me, download the Google toolbar - it has a popup blocker built into it.
By far the best way to prevent pop-ups, etc., is to switch to Mozilla FireFox (www.mozilla.com) for your browsing instead of Internet Explorer. FireFox doesn’t have the vulnerabilities in it that Internet Explorer has. You’ll still need IE from time to time (Microsoft updates for instance), as FireFox restricts certain websites from functioning properly.
What about the pop-up blockers or adware programs I’ve seen for sale. Do they work? Recent research has shown that most don’t. Stick to Microsoft’s Windows Defender, SpySweeper, CounterSpy or other widely accepted applications.
I received an email asking me to log onto a secure site (banking site, Pay-Pal, EBay, etc.), log on, and verify my information. Should I? Be careful. The latest scam going around the Internet these days is to spoof a secure web site, get you to go there somehow, and when you do, they get your username & password. Seen the commercials on TV about identity theft? You’ll be the next one if you get caught by one of these scams.
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