Friday, May 4, 2012

How To Protect Your Computer From Spyware

Concerned about how to protect your computer from being infected with spyware? Worried that your PC is infected with spyware already? Spyware is an Internet threat to be taken very seriously. Having your computer infected with this malicious software can in fact lead you to having your personal information stolen, becoming yet another statistic; a victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA. The good news is that there are some ways to drastically reduce your chances of being infected with spyware; at the same time detecting and removing any spyware or other malware already installed on your computer.

Think twice before visiting sites containing freeware, shareware, warez, file-sharing, and other similar sites. They are well-known for containing more than you bargained for; spyware or other malicious software. That pirated "free movie" might very well come at a real price; your online security and privacy.

Try to resist the temptation of opening email attachments from unknown senders. A matter fact, it is wise advice to think twice before opening attachments from people you know, that are unrecognizable or you are not expecting. That "cute joke" may not be so cute after all; bundled with spyware or other malware.

Be sure to have anti-virus software installed on your computer to help protect your computer from being infected with spyware. It is essential for your online security to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Set your anti-virus software to update automatically, so you are protected against the latest threats. Internet security vendors are constantly playing a "cat and mouse" game with cyber criminals; coming up with new updates all the time to help protect you from malicious software. Get into the habit of running a "full system scan" on a regular basis, such as once a week, as well.

It is wise to have anti-spyware software in your arsenal of weapons against spyware. Anti-virus software detects most, but certainly not all spyware. There is spyware available for download online, that is both reputable and free. That said and done, be extra vigilant in making sure that you're downloading anti-spyware software with a good reputation. Sadly, there is so-called "free anti-spyware software" that is anything but free; charging you $39.99 to remove a "keylogger" that may or may not exist and even infecting your computer with more malicious software.

Finally, install and run anti-keylogger software. Anti-virus software detects very few spyware. Anti-spyware software does a better job; detecting most, but not all spyware. You need anti-virus software installed to detect and block spyware.

Following these tips will definitely help protect your computer from being infected with spyware, or any malicious software for that matter.

Christopher is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise on online security and privacy. Visit Internet Security 101 for the tools and resources to protect your Internet security and privacy, including free Internet security software.


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