Protecting Yourself Against Spyware
by: David Heffelfinger
Spyware is a category of malicious software that secretly obtains information about a computer user's and sends it to a third party without the user's consent. For example, a piece of spyware running on an infected computer can obtain the user's bank account number when online banking, user's username and password when online trading or the user's credit card number when shopping online.
No computer user is 100% safe from spyware, however it is primarily a concern for users of Microsoft Windows operating systems. The safest bet to avoid being a victim of spyware is to use an alternative operating system like Linux or Mac OS X, however if you are unable or unwilling to leave Windows, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
Ditch Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer contains a technology called ActiveX that allows malicious web sites to install software on the browser's computer without the user's consent, this ability has been a boon for spyware writers and distributors. Alternative browsers include Firefox and Opera.
Ditch Outlook Express
Outlook express contains several security vulnerabilities spyware distributors use to infect computers. Instead of Outlook express you can use an online email system like GMail or Yahoo mail, or install an alternate email client like Thunderbird.
Install Anti-Spyware Software
There are some tools that will scan your computer and detect and remove spyware. Some of the most popular ones include Spybot-Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware.
Install a Firewall
Hardware firewalls can be obtained for a reasonable price these days, most routers (both wired and wireless) provide firewalls in addition to their primary purpose of allowing multiple computers to share broadband internet connection. Software firewalls can be installed on Windows computers as well.
Conclusion
While nobody is completely safe from spyware, by taking these simple measures the risk of getting infected are greatly reduced.
About The Author
David Heffelfinger is a software engineer with over 10 years of experience developing enterprise software applications. He is editor in chief of Ensode.net, a technology web site providing information about Java, Linux and other technology topics. He can be contacted via email at dheffelfinger@ensode.net.
|
Spyware: The New Cancer
Spyware: The New Cancer
by: Andrew Wroblewski
Just like cancer, a computer virus program, whether Trojan, adware, or spyware can be deemed as any executing program that can infect your computer by recreating a copy of itself onto your system.
Just like with cancerous cells in the human body, if not detected in time or found to be in the wrong place, any of these infectious programs can find themselves replicating and creating havoc throughout other parts of the machine.
When spyware was first discovered, just as was the case with cancer in the human body, it perplexed those who were infected by it because until something becomes known to the general public, there can be no reason for cure for that certain disease.
For example, there was no cure for polio until the vaccine was created by Dr. Salk, and there was no cure for Trojan horse programs until they were discovered to have caused mass havoc.
So if there is knowledge...
Spyware > Spyware: The New Cancer
PAL?s Spyware Removal Tool
PAL?s Spyware Removal Tool
by: Mitch Johnson
Once spyware, adware, keyloggers, Trojans and other malicious codes have installed themselves onto your computer the consequences are seemingly endless.
Not only do they record and send off information about your internet habits, online purchases and other computer usage information, they can also tap into private information such as credit card and social security numbers.
Each time a computer user is online they are downloading spyware onto their computer, without their consent or knowledge.
Clicking on pop up ads or visiting certain web sites, even some of which are thought to be secure, are all ways spyware infects your computer.
Many commonly used game, music and other freeware programs allow spyware in when they are downloaded.
To rid your computer of current spyware infections and prevent future invasions it is best to keep your computer clean with one...
PAL?s Spyware Removal Tool
Spyware > PAL?s Spyware Removal Tool
Advanced Anti Spyware - Now Totally Free For The Home User!
Advanced Anti Spyware - Now Totally Free For The Home User!
by: Jason Frovich
Spyware is a diverse group of software programs that are undesirable for the computer user, since they transmit information to the Spyware owner without the computer user's knowledge or consent. The easiest way of keeping your personal computer free from spyware, is to visit one of the many websites that offers free spyware removal for home use. Since the programs are available for free, you can feel free to try out several free spyware removal for home use before you make up your mind.
Since all users have their own personal needs and requirements, you might have to try more than one free spyware removal for home use before you find the one that is perfect for you. You can also browse through some of the many online guides where consumers have rated different free spyware removal for home use. Do not choose a free spyware removal for home use if it is complicated...
Advanced Anti Spyware - Now Totally Free For The Home User!
Spyware > Advanced Anti Spyware - Now Totally Free For The Home User!
Battling Tough Spyware Applications on Your Computer
Battling Tough Spyware Applications on Your Computer
by: Mitch Johnson
Due to the extensive craftiness of spyware intruders, new methods have allowed spyware applications to load even while the computer is in safe mode.
This stubborn quality of spyware makes the program even harder to remove because it cannot be eliminated while it is running.
As a result of these new intruding methods users have found that when switching to safe mode to remove a spyware application some are overbearing and run even in safe mode, where they should not, because the spy programs installed themselves as critical objects.
The CoolWebSearch bar, Huntbar and VX2 spyware programs developed this technique, leaving users at a loss of how to remove them.
For Windows 98 and Windows ME computers you can boot to DOS and run a command line scanner that will search your hard drive and you can eliminate the files.
For Windows XP users you cannot...
Spyware > Battling Tough Spyware Applications on Your Computer
Security Necessities To Prevent Your Computer From Spyware
Security Necessities To Prevent Your Computer From Spyware
by: Mitch Johnson
In the internet world it is vital for users to have a good spyware scan and removal tool because of the multitude of different spyware, adware, Trojans and other malware constantly looking to attack your system.
Many spyware tools available are free and those up for purchase typically do not exceed $30 to $40.
Anti-spyware tools will greatly assist in protecting your privacy and restoring full computer functions that spyware may have taken over.
Spyware gets into your computer and invades users? privacy.
Individuals or companies install spyware when you download freeware or visit certain web sites so they may track your internet habits and find personal information such as passwords, email addresses and even credit card and bank account numbers.
By eliminating these applications from running on your computer you will restore your...
Spyware > Security Necessities To Prevent Your Computer From Spyware
Annoying Spyware And Its Elimination
Annoying Spyware And Its Elimination
by: Allen Brown
Nowadays, you might have noticed of a threatening word ?Spyware?. Spyware software is becoming annoyance for the companies. Spyware is likely to be verified as a great damager to the companies. It is not so noticeable like spam and virus assaults to the systems. Spyware could be destructive and cause financial losses.
Spyware is almost an invisible software programs that collects and transmits personal or company?s important data through the Internet without being noticed. The transferred data could be used for smashing up your company?s credit or might hard hit its profits. Spyware is also commonly acknowledged as Adware, Malware, Sneakware and Snoopware.
Entry point of Spyware: It could enter your network by auto-download software that automatically downloaded to your network, even without user?s acknowledgement. It could also enter with software, which is downloaded by user that includes...
Annoying Spyware And Its Elimination
Spyware > Annoying Spyware And Its Elimination
How To Stop Spyware From Robbing You
How To Stop Spyware From Robbing You
by: Tom Jenson
Booting up the computer in the morning seems to be taking longer and longer. The pauses between asking for a web page and it loading increase. Suddenly, even keystrokes aren't registering on the screen as quickly as normal.
Is your PC on the verge of a breakdown or has some version of spyware made a nest for itself on your machine?
The average user doesn't contemplate that the numerous websites, free offers, giveaways or games they surf in a day will damage their computer. And, nor does this average surfer believe they could be downloading potentially hazardous software that is going to cause their computer to go on the blink, eternally.
The Internet is teeming with fantastic websites, information, tools and interactive activities. Some of these cost real money and some don't.
It's easy to take a freebie and feel like you got the better deal, but...
Spyware > How To Stop Spyware From Robbing You
potty training Spyware Protecting Yourself Against Spyware
Candle Making In School As A Fundraiser Activity
Candle Making In School As A Fundraiser Activity
by: Simon Oliver
Candle fundraiser activities are done by most schools because they are more effective than any other fundraiser strategies. Some schools will sell cakes, cookies, and more, but it?s really not as effective as candle selling. Selling candles is a very effective fundraising activity for your school.
Candle making is being taught in some schools, so it is a good way to start the candle fundraiser...
hedge funds Spyware
Spyware > Candle Making In School As A Fundraiser Activity
Spyware
This page loaded in 0.06916 seconds.