Anti-Spyware Tips for Safe Computing: Second Part interesting article by Kevin Nelson - Spyware Prevention

Anti-Spyware Tips for Safe Computing: Spyware Prevention by Kevin Nelson

Just when you thought you were finally comfortable with the computer, along comes another thing to learn...security. With more and more people online, it's no surprise that we have to be increasingly careful about what we do and where we go online. In addition, we need to understand at least a little about safe computing and avoiding things like spyware. Spyware is one of those unfortunate side effects of computer technology and can have cause serious damage, both online and offline. These programs cause anything from annoying advertisements to appear at random to actually monitoring your web surfing and keystrokes so others can steal your personal info. But you don't have to be a computer scientist to combat this growing problem. Some basic safe computing tips will help you avoid spyware and other similar internet nasties.

As scary as the idea of spyware might sound, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. First, there are quite a few things you can do to reduce the risk of a spyware infection or avoid it altogether. And for the most part, all of these things are plain old good computer security practices anyway and apply to issues besides spyware, making this a good list to for all computer users to review. Here are some preventative measures you can take:

• Keep your software up-to-date. This especially includes your operating system (Microsoft Windows for most of us) and your web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, etc). Usually most of these programs can be set to automatically update themselves or prompt you when an update is available. Go ahead and take a few minutes to do that whenever you're prompted. It can save you hours of headaches in the future if it helps protect your system.
• Be cautious about which sites you download programs from. There are tons of free programs, movies, games and other software all over the internet. However some of these programs (like the toolbar example mentioned above) are havens for spyware. All free programs aren't bad, but just like in the real world, be careful about "taking candy from strangers".
• If you don't know what a program is, don't run it or install it. If you're on a Windows machine and see an unknown file ending in .exe, you probably shouldn't run it until you determine what that program is. To find out what a program might be, try going to Google and doing a search for that file name. It will only take a minute and could save you from a huge hassle later on.
• If you're getting bombarded with pop-up ads, don't click on any of them. If you do click on them, you may inadvertently load a spyware program on your computer. This includes links that say something like "Click Here to Close". Use the little orange "X" in the corner of the window instead and that will close the window without you needing to click on anything in the advertisement.
• Don't click on any links that are in email SPAM. It doesn't matter what the offer is, if you're getting emails and you don't know the sender or didn't subscribe to that site's newsletter, etc. then you should avoid the ads and delete the email. Some of those emails will just lead to more SPAM and if they're offering software, the software can actually be riddled with spyware.

If you think your computer might have spyware on it, experts advise that you take three steps: 1. Purchase an anti-spyware program.2. Set it to scan periodically but at the very least, once a week. It would be even better if it scans every time you start your computer as long as that doesn't slow down your start up too much. 3. Delete any software programs the anti-spyware program detects that you don't want on your computer.

Anti-Spyware Tips for Safe Computing: very interesting article by K. Nelson

Anti-Spyware Tips for Safe Computing: Spyware Detection by Kevin Nelson

As use of computers and the internet continues to grow, so do the myriad of threats prevalent out there in this so-called "cyberspace". These issues can range from the annoying advertisement that you can't seem to get rid of on the low end of the spectrum to incredibly serious issues that could impact the functionality of your computer, your privacy or personal security. One of the latest of the issues is spyware. But you don't have to be a computer whiz to combat this problem. By having a better understanding of what spyware is and knowing what indicators to look for to identify the presence of spyware, you can easily eliminate spyware on your system or completely prevent it before it even becomes an issue. Spyware is the generic term for any software installed on your computer system without you knowing about it. If the idea of having rogue software on your computer isn't bad enough, to make matters worse, this software doesn't just sit idle on your system, but usually monitors (and sometime controls) your computer. For example, spyware can be used to send pop-up ads...similar to what you might encounter on the web, but these can show up even when you're not online. Imagine having some annoying pop up ad for something "not family friendly" showing up while your kids are working on their homework. In addition to pop-ups, spyware programs can also send you to websites you otherwise wouldn't visit, keep tabs on your internet browsing, or log each and every one of your keystrokes. This information can then be sent through the internet (via your internet connection) and wind up in the hands of someone who can then use the info for identity theft or other malicious acts.

There are several things computer users should look out for that can be signs of spyware being present on your system. Many computer savvy people might already be aware of some of these things, but regardless of your level of expertise, take a minute to run down this list and see if any of these "spyware clues" might be occurring on your system:

• Have you noticed any new toolbars on your desktop or in your web browser? (This is a favorite way of passing along spyware)
• Do you experience a slew of pop-up advertisements?
• Has your computer become unbearably slow, especially when starting up, shutting down, or opening programs?
• Do you see any unknown icons down in your system tray (near the clock in the bottom right-hand corner on most computers)?
• Has your homepage ever changed from your desired start page to some other page without you setting it to do so?
• Do some of your keys seem to get stuck and not work but only for certain commands or on certain screens?
• Does your web browser ever take you to a site other than the address you type into the browser or choose from your bookmarks?
• Do you get a lot of random error messages from your operating system, other than the occasional glitch that we all get from time to time?

If your system is showing any of the signs mentioned above, it might be time to consider scanning your computer for spyware. There are several tools available to perform spyware scans, but only a handful are really worth considering. Be sure you do your due diligence as you seek out an appropriate spyware scanner. And if your system isn't showing any of the signs of the presence of spyware, consider yourself lucky and keep this list handy in case things change sometime down the road. One of the first keys to getting rid of spyware is knowing what to look for in the first place.

XP-AntiSpy - Free Spyware Detection Software

XP-AntiSpy does not detect or disable spyware in the traditional sense. There are services running by default on many Windows XP systems which some may consider a privacy or security concern. You can disable them on your own, but using XP-AntiSpy you can view and disable these services much quicker and allow you to re-enable them just as quickly if you choose.

Spyware Guard

Spyware Guard from Javacool Software is a free program which performs real-time scans to catch and block spyware, browser-hijackers and prevent malware from downloading while surfing with Internet Explorer. It provides automatic signature updates with its SG LiveUpdate feature and has fair logging and reporting capabilities. The program is small in size, but seems to consume a disproportionate amount of system resources on some computers and may not be worth the impact to your PC.

What is Adware?

Generically, adware (spelled all lower case) is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. The authors of these applications include additional code that delivers the ads, which can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen. The justification for adware is that it helps recover programming development cost and helps to hold down the cost for the user.

Adware has been criticized because it usually includes code that tracks a user's personal information and passes it on to third parties, without the user's authorization or knowledge. This practice has been dubbed spyware and has prompted an outcry from computer security and privacy advocates, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

Noted privacy software expert Steve Gibson of Gibson Research explains: "Spyware is any software (that) employs a user's Internet connection in the background (the so-called 'backchannel') without their knowledge or explicit permission. Silent background use of an Internet 'backchannel' connection must be preceded by a complete and truthful disclosure of proposed backchannel usage, followed by the receipt of explicit, informed consent for such use. Any software communicating across the Internet absent of these elements is guilty of information theft and is properly and rightfully termed: Spyware."

Pest Patrol

Pest Patrol complements antivirus and firewall software and extends your protection against non-viral malicious software that evades other security software and invades your privacy. Computer Associates thought highly enough of this product that they bought the company, so you may soon see it re-introduced bundled with CA's antivirus software. Pest Patrol can receive automatic updates to ensure you always detect the latest threats.

Pest Patrol is a very good spyware detection software. Everyone should to install this software.

What is Spyware?

Most computer users today are familiar with the term spyware because they or someone they know has experienced the aggravation of this software firsthand. Sluggish computer performance, altered home pages, and endless pop-up ads are all signs your PC could be infected. Everyone who uses a computer is susceptible.

Spyware is a program installed on your computer, with or without your permission that can change system configurations, monitor your Internet activity and broadcast the information back to an outside party, often advertisers. The milder forms of spyware are simply annoying, with increased spam and unwanted pop-ups; these are known as adware. Malware refers to more malicious programs that can rob your PC of its ability to run efficiently. The newer, more advanced forms can actually steal personal information like bank passwords or credit card numbers.

Spyware has often been referred to as a virus, but this is not accurate. The software does not duplicate itself like a virus, which is why it is never detected when an anti-virus program is run. The best protection for your computer is a 3-tiered approach: spyware detection (anti-spyware) software, anti-virus software, and a firewall.