By: David H. Urmann
The perfect way of combating spyware is to not install it. Spyware is a bigger problem for consumers than viruses. Though viruses can do much damage on computers, spyware are more prevalent and leads to identity theft.
For some time, it may look like the computer technology reached its pitfall with the prevalence of spywares that invade the privacy of personal computer users. But there are controlling factors determined to eliminate spywares completely. As more and more new spywares are being developed, the developers of anti-spyware programs are also active in their crusade.
Installing anti-spyware program has indeed become a crucial part of computer security. A number of anti-spyware laws have been passed to combat the growing threat of spyware. A handful of spyware software crossed the boundaries of legality. Variants of Trojan-Downloader.Win32.INService and Zlob.Trojan were reported of displaying child pornography, cracks and popup ads known to break copyright and child pornography laws.
Various methods of preventing spyware infection have been developed as the threat continues to worsen. These techniques include running software created to block or eliminate spyware. A number of helpful user practices are proven in minimizing the chance of spyware infection on computer system. However, spyware is still a serious and costly problem. When a system employing Windows has been infected by multiple spyware software, the simplest remedy would be backing up important data and have the operating system reinstalled.
Spyware can come from shareware software available for download. Some Internet Service Providers resort to using web proxies and employing network firewalls in denying access to websites believed to install spyware.
Be sure to read all disclosures as well as license agreement including privacy statements before installing any application. There are instances that the inclusion of unwanted program in some software is documented. Carefully read everything because it is usually found at the end of such End User License Agreement or privacy statement.
Install a firewall. Most spyware come in package with other programs or secretly installed to user’s system by malicious website. Only a very few spyware software can be remotely installed by hackers to computers.
Update software regularly to help stop spyware and some unwanted programs. Make certain that Automatic Update is turned on for system with this option. Download all the newest critical and security updates.
Adjust security settings for Internet Explorer. The recommended setting for the Internet zone is Medium or higher. This setting regulates the information users are inclined to accept from websites. This is set to Medium by default for system using Windows XP SP2 and Internet Explorer as primary web browser.
Install anti-spyware software. Windows Defender is a good protection against spyware. It comes with the new OS Windows Vista. Windows XP Service Pack 2 users can download it free of charge.
Observe safe Internet surfing and downloading always. Always download only from trusted websites. Spyware developers will not stop in deceiving computer users. As a tip, when closing doubtful sites, refrain from hitting the X mark on the top right window. This sometimes leads to other sites instead of closing down. Instead, hit Alt+F4.
Change the setting of your computer, such that nothing will download automatically without your permission. Set your browser to ActiveX control.
Update regularly your anti-spyware programs because new types of spyware are being developed practically everyday.