As most of you probably already know, spyware is the #1 treat to users when surfing the net. This article talks about the most poliferated spyware of 2006.
It seems that most of the calls I get from home users that are having problems with their computer is a result of spyware.
I decided to list several ways to avoid spyware, it actually very simple, but most people don't know where to begin. With this being said, lets get on to the good stuff...
1. Most spyware found on systems is in the form of cookies. Cookies are small text files that get placed on your system from websites. They are normally intended for good. They are used when shopping on the Internet, they hold your "shopping cart" info. Websites that require a log in use cookies to remember who you are and automatically log you into the site by reading the cookie. But there is a bad side to cookies. Banner ads also place cookies on your machine. These cookies store info about you! That way the advertising company can find information out about you and potentially send spam emails and pop up ads to you based on the sites you visit. To avoid this type of exploit is pretty simple. Open Internet explorer and choose Tools from the menu. Then choose Internet Options. Once the Internet options dialog appears, you click on the privacy tab. Now we will adjust the way Internet Explorer handles cookies. Click on the advanced push button. In the Advanced Privacy Settings window, make the following changes. Check the Override automatic cookie handing checkbox. Then select the Always allow session cookies checkbox. Make sure the radio button for Accept is selected under First-party cookies. Then make sure the radio button is selected for Block under Third -party cookies. Click on the OK button. Then click on the OK button once again.
2. Next lets concentrate on removing the Internet waste once you are done surfing the Internet. Open Internet explorer and choose Tools from the menu. Then choose Internet Options. Click on the Advanced tab. Scroll all the way to the bottom and check the Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed checkbox. Click on the OK button.
3. Now we can learn a little about toolbars for Internet Explorer. First off, you don't need them. So the easiest way to avoid email spam and Internet Explorer pop-up windows is to never install IE toolbars. Second, I am not saying that all IE toolbars are bad but very few are good. Therefore, the best practice is to not install them at all. I understand many of them promise to block popup's but in reality they produce more. Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7 have built in pop-up blockers. It is turned on by default and works well. If a site tries to open a pop-up page, Internet Explorer will show a pale yellow bar across the top of the window stating that a pop-up was blocked and offer choices for you to allow or keep blocking the pop-up from that site. Ultimately it is still the users choice to continue to block pop-ups, as it should be.
4. Anti-spyware software is also a great way to avoid being inundated with Internet Explorer pop-up windows and spam emails. There are only a few that I would personally recommend. Windows Defender being the best of the bunch at the moment, second would be Ad-aware SE, and third Spybot S&D. All of these tools are free and provide realtime protection against spyware infection.
As my final state, I just wanted to say that in order to be fairly safe from spyware, follow the above instructions, and when installing downloaded software, actually LOOK at the screens prompts. Some include things like Gator (spyware), but offer a check box to deny installing. So practice safe surfing and enjoy all that the Internet has to offer.
Safely Surfing - TMS
