Has your computer developed a mind of its own? Is your PC sluggish? Think your computer might be infected with spyware? Are you wanting to know how to prevent spyware? Spyware can range from a mere annoyance and downright dangerous; even leading you to having your personal info stolen and becoming a victim of identity theft. It is good to know that there are some definite steps you take to prevent spyware.
First of all, make sure that you have anti-virus software helping protect you from spyware and other malware. Don't forget to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date, to make sure you are protected against the latest spyware and other malicious software.
Second, have your computer protected with anti-keylogger software. More often than you'd like to know spyware is bundled with keystroke loggers; malware that quietly works in the background recording every keystroke and even capturing screen shots. Many people are not aware that anti-virus software and even anti-spyware software do not detect all keyloggers. You need anti-keylogger software installed to detect as well as block keyloggers.
It is essential to have anti-spyware software running on your computer to help prevent spyware, as anti-virus software alone does not detect all spyware. Yes, there is reputable and free anti-spyware software available for download online. That said and done, exercise caution when downloading "free" anti-spyware software, as it could be far from free; robbing your bank account of your hard-earned dollars to delete a "trojan horse" that may or may not exist and even infect your computer with more malicious software.
In your quest to prevent spyware it is important to have a personal firewall. It acts as a locked door between your computer and other computers; preventing a hacker from installing spyware on your computer and keeping any spyware already installed on your computer from sending personal data to a cyber criminal. Windows 7, Vista, and XP actually include a free firewall. Make sure you have it activated if you have no other firewall installed.
Be extra careful when opening email attachments to help prevent spyware. Any email attachment from an unknown sender is a "no go". In fact, even if you know the sender, be wary in opening the attachment if you are not expecting it or do not recognize it.
Exercise caution when surfing the Net; avoiding sites containing shareware, freeware, warez, and file-sharing. These sites are well-known for being infected with spyware as well as other malicious software.
Finally, to help prevent spyware keep your operating system up-to-date. Your operating system vendor is constantly coming up with security patches to help protect you from the latest spyware or other malware.
Following these steps and a little common sense will go a long ways toward preventing your computer from being infected with spyware. When it comes to spyware and other malware, an ounce of prevention is indeed worth more than a pound of cure.
Christopher is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise on Internet security and privacy. To learn more about spyware and other malicious software, including free Internet security software, visit Internet Security 101.
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