Spyware, Adware, Firewalls, Anti Virus Programs
The web is not a safe place to wander around without protection from spyware, adware, trojans, malware, and other unwanted goodies such as spam and scam emails, and viruses. Below are a list of ways to protect yourself. There are tutorials, tips, programs, and websites to help you surf safely. Each will open in a new window.
Firewalls
You need a Firewall. A firewall is a system which prevents unauthorized use and access to your computer. A firewall can be either hardware or software. For individual home users, the most popular firewall choice is a software firewall. A good software firewall will protect your computer from outside attempts to control or gain access your computer, and usually provides additional protection against the most common Trojan programs or e-mail worms.
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Zone Alarm Pro 5 (2005) Firewall Software
I use Zone Alarm. I have tested my firewall status in Shields Up and I get a 100% protected rating. This program WORKS. - Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0
This is an excellent security software suite - includes internet security, antivirus software, antispyware software, personal firewall, and antispam
Protection from spyware, adware, tracking cookies
Adware is software that displays advertisements, typically in pop-up windows.
Spyware is any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.
Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users unwittingly install the product when they install something else. Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from the user by using the computer's memory resources and also by eating bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware's home base via the user's Internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability.
Because spyware exists as independent executable programs, they have the ability to monitor keystrokes, scan files on the hard drive, snoop other applications, such as chat programs or word processors, install other spyware programs, read cookies, change the default home page on the Web browser, consistently relaying this information back to the spyware author who will either use it for advertising/marketing purposes or sell the information to another party.
Recently the problem has developed into a major headache not only for home users whose PCs choke on a flurry of pop-up windows but also corporate computer users who run the risk of lost productivity and pilfered data from such programs.
Spyware and adware "have gone past the point of annoying to really becoming cost centers for corporations,'' said Jayshree Ullal, senior vice president of Cisco Systems Inc.'s security technology group. "They are where viruses used to be five to 10 years ago'' (from Crit.org)
Spyware, adware, browser hijackers, and dialers are some of the fastest-growing threats on the Internet today. By simply browsing to a web page, you could find your computer to be the brand-new host of one of these unwanted fiends! The most important step you can take is to secure your system.
- Spybot
Spybot - Search & Destroy (free) can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. But even if you don't see anything, you may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging that is silently tracking your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile of you that will be sold to advertisement companies. - Ad-aware
Ad-aware is designed to provide advanced protection from known 'data-mining', aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, selected traditional Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser Hijackers, and tracking components. With the release of Ad-aware SE Personal edition, it takes the fight against Spyware to the next level. - SpywareBlaster
SpywareBlaster is a powerful protection program that prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests. It also blocks spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox, and restricts the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer
Windows Security
Because the majority of computer users are Windows users (approximately 90% of web surfers use Internet Explorer), the Windows operating system, and associated software (Internet Explorer, Outlook Express) are a major target for hackers, who find security holes and exploits in the software, so you need to update the software on a regular basis.
- Windows Update
Keep your computer up to date. Check to see if you need updates for Windows, your programs, your hardware or your devices. Choose from express install (installs all available updates) or custom install (choose which updates you wish to install). The catch is you need to be using Internet Explorer to get any updates! - Use Firefox Browser
Firefox will not allow a Web site to download, install, or run programs on your computer without your explicit agreement. Period. You will be notified whenever downloading or installing software, and Firefox will always tell you whats happening so that you can stay in control of your computer. Firefox keeps you safe from spyware, hackers, scammers and spammers - Crit.org
All the latest news, information, and informative articles about Firewalls, Anti Virus, Spyware, Spam, and Phishing (email scams)
Anti Virus
You should have anti-virus software installed on your system and ensure you download updates frequently to ensure your software has the latest fixes for new viruses, worms, and Trojan Horses. Additionally you want to make sure your anti-virus program has the ability to scan e-mail and files as they are downloaded from the Internet. This will help prevent malicious programs from even reaching your computer.
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Zone Alarm Pro 5 (2005) Firewall Software
Zone Alarm has an anti virus program included in the firewall. This is an excellent choose for protection for your computer. - Avast! Home Edition Anti Virus Software
Antivirus software, trojan detector, and automatic updates
Email Security
Use a free email address such as hotmail, gmail (Google) or Yahoo for everything other than your private communications
Ignore any instructions for unsubscribing in a spam email. Most likely, this will just confirm your address is active and you'll end up with even more spam
Use your email application's filtering features:
- Outlook Express
Outlook Express filters tutorial; great visual guide, easy to learn how to filter out junk emails - Eudora
Another filters tutorial; great visual guide, this one's for Eudora