Computer Malware and Spyware can negatively impact your computer’s performance and put your personal security at risk! With each passing month, there is more and more Spyware that is released on the Internet, potentially placing your personal information and computer at risk. Spyware does this through:
- Display of a Large Number of Pop-Up Advertisements
- Decreasing the Speed of Your Computer
- Crashing Your Computer
- Invading Your Privacy
- Stealing Your Private Information
Spyware Protection Steps
Spyware Protection Step #1 – Using a Firewall
Most computers come with a built-in Firewall today. Many users, however, are either 1 – Scared of using a firewall or 2 – Become annoyed at firewall warnings of spyware or malware attack against their computer that are false alarms and turn it off. Installation and use of a firewall, however, is critical in guarding your computer against spyware and Trojan viruses that attempt to gain control of your computer for use by hackers! Windows XP and Vista come with a Firewall already built in to the Operating System in order to help you guard against Spyware targeted at Microsoft produced OS’s!
Spyware Protection Step #2 – Update Anti-Spyware Software and Spyware Removal Tools
Keeping Windows updated on a regular basis is another key to keeping your computer free of computer spyware and malware! New spyware and malware is released every day and if you delay updating Windows, you could put yourself at greater risk of spyware infection!
Spyware Protection Step #3 – Adjust Web Browser Security Settings
If you have a choice in what Web Browser to use, consider the freely available Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browsers. Each comes with additional security than is found in Internet Explorer and can keep your computer from being attacked by Microsoft specific spyware and adware. If you do use Internet Explorer, adjusting your security settings for the Web Browser to an Internet Zone level of Medium or higher will help prevent your computer from being infected with malware. This is the default setting starting with computers that run Windows XP Service Pack 2. To check and change your current Internet Explorer settings, do the following:
1 – Open Internet Explorer. Select “Tools->Internet Options>”
2 – Choose the “Security” tab and then toggle the security setting to medium or higher.
Spyware Protection Step #4 – Download and Install Antispyware Software
There are a number of Antispyware software packages available on the market. Windows Defender comes bundled with Windows Vista and is free to download for Windows XP, SP2. Norton and Symantec are two of the other well-known anti-virus and anti-spyware software companies on the market. Whatever software package you choose, however, check to make sure it is legitimate by reading multiple reviews on the software to avoid being tricked into downloading fake anti-spyware, spyware such as Barracuda Spyware!
Spyware Protection Step #5 – Be Careful Surfing and Downloading Files
Be judicious in your web surfing habits! Here are some tips to think about when surfing the Internet and downloading files or software:
- Don’t download programs or files from websites you do not trust. If you haven’t heard of the company before, Google the software or company name to see if you see any negative complaints first.
- Read the EULA (end user license agreement). A lot of Adware and Spyware will tell you what they are going to do in the fine print…
- Do not choose “Ok” or “Agree” to close out of a window online. “Alt + F4” or the big “X” in the corner of the browser window will help prevent some threats from infecting your computer.
- Be very, very leery of File sharing and free movie sites. One of the most common ways hackers get backdoors installed on work and home computers is through infected multimedia files. Don’t let them get to your computer!
These steps are not all encompassing, but by following them; you will be well on your way to being protected against computer spyware and malware.
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