What is Spyware,
Adware and Malware?
Spyware is a the
program
that will
spy on you, typically they monitor your surfing habits and report
this information to large advertising companies around the world.
Adware is typically the programs that will launch pop-ups and other advertising
onto your computer.
Any program whether it is spyware, adware, or just causes something
unexpected to unauthorized to occur is considered Malware.
How do I prevent these programs from invading my computer?
Be extremely careful with freeware! Many freeware programs,
P2P applications include Malware built in. Just because it says it
will manage your passwords or keep your clock precise, doesn't mean
it won't cause you headaches with pop-ups and other advertisements.
P2P programs like Kazaa for example have been known to be bundled with
malware, and won't work
properly
without
it. Many programs that offer pop-up blocking and spam protection actually
do the opposite, be careful and read about the programs you choose
to install.
Don't install free toolbars. MySearch, zSearch, and other
toolbars are plain out horrible. They will cause extra pop-ups and
monitor your searching habits. If you must use a toolbar, use either
the Google Toolbar or the MSN Toolbar. Be aware that both will not
cause extra advertising, but they will however track your surfing habits.
Do not say Yes to security warnings! Always say no to
any security warning that appears when surfing the Internet. The only
times you may want to say yes is if you are visiting Microsoft's website
or an extremely reputable company website. Accepting these programs
for download is how the majority of malware is installed.
Below
is an example of
the
Gator
PrecisionTime/DateManager
malware program.
Don't believe what you read on your computer screen.
Many times pop-up windows will appear telling you that your computer
is running poorly, or you can block pop-ups by downloading their "free"
program. Close the window and ignore. A good rule of thumb, is to never
buy anything you see advertised in a pop-up window or an email message.
Have
a good Firewall Installed. Your firewall will let
you know if a malware program is trying to send information through
your
Internet
connection
- but by this time it is too late as you already have the program installed.
Useful
Programs to use to battle Spyware and Adware:
Ad-Aware
by LavaSoft
Created by LavaSoft, this program was the first anti-spyware program
launched. It provides many features and can clean up the worst of
messes. Make sure you update it regularly, as anti-spyware
programs are similar to anti-virus programs and need the newest data
to find the newest bugs.
Spy-Bot
Search and Destroy
Another great tool for removing and destroying spy-ware, Spy-Bot
checks your computer for patterns of known spyware and adware and
removes it once found. It also comes with a utility to stay running
all the time and tell you if a malware program is trying to set itself
up.
HiJackThis
HijackThis is a software program, that will list all installed browser add-on,
buttons, startup items and allows you to inspect, and optionally remove selected
items.
The program
can create a backup of your original settings and also ignore selected items.
Additional features include a simple list of all startup items, default start
page, online updates and more. Intended for advanced users.
Mozilla
Firefox
If you're not already using this browser, you should. Almost all Spyware targets
security flaws in Microsoft Internet Explorer. By using Firefox you elimate practically
the
entire
threat.
It is just as easy to use as Internet Explorer and has many better features.
Useful Websites
with lots of information about Spyware and Adware:
Adware,
Spyware and Advertising Trojans Info and Removal Procedures
Dealing
with Unwanted Parasites and Spyware
|
Click the button to start a simple spyware test on your browser. Please note that this test is not always up to date and will never catch all spyware on your computer. For a better spyware test download one of the programs listed above. |
