|
5 Steps to Prevent from Spyware |
|
|
|
Spyware and other unwanted software can invade your privacy, bombard you with pop-up windows, slow down your computer, and even make your computer crash. Here are several ways you can help protect your computer against spyware and other unwanted software. So here is 5 Steps how you can reduce your chance from having spyware.
These are some tell-tale warning signs that your computer may be suffering from spyware-
* You receive many pop-ups
* Your computer is running slowly
* You may have invasive toolbars hijacking your browser
* Your home page may have been hijacked
* There are many other signs which you can know...
Step 1: Use a firewall and Antivirus
While most spyware and other unwanted software come bundled with other programs or originate from unscrupulous Web sites, a small amount of spyware can actually be placed on your computer remotely by hackers. Installing a firewall or using the firewall that's built into Windows XP provides a helpful defense against these hackers. Eg: Zonelarm : Not bad firewall, it also monitors your program and which is good is it has firewall, antivirus and spyware.
Step 2: Update your software Definition
If you use Windows XP, one way to help prevent spyware and other unwanted software is to make sure all your software is updated. Visit Microsoft Update to confirm that you have Automatic Updates turned on and that you've downloaded all the latest critical and security updates. Update your antivirus and spyware definition.
Step 3: Download and install antispyware protection
One usefull program is spybot : Search & Destroy. Its really a good tool for spyware it also monitors your registry. Remember when installing this software tick where is says use teatime. Teatime monitor all entries in the registries so if a spyware want to add code to the registry the spybot will inform you or ask you if you want to add or denied changes. So be sure what to accept.
Step 4: Browser, Cache and Cookies
Clear all cache and cookies. This helps from getting private data from your computer. Try also to use firefox instead of IE. As everyone knows it IE contains lots really lots of bugs and exploits.
Step 5: Services:
If you do not use remote process such as pcanywhere you can disable these services. To access Services go to control panel then administrative tools and services.
1. Messenger and alerter (To prevent from getting messages from ISP or fake ISP messages often used to fool you)
2. NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing.
3. Remote Desktop Help.
4. Remote Registry (avoid people getting access to your registry).
5. System Restore (Disabling this will prevent you from restoring your system later but leaving it enable also help malware to use it to reinstall there program)
6. Use also a solid password for your computer and never leave it blank
Tools:
Zone Alarm: www.zonelabs.com/
Spybot Search & Destroy: www.safer-networking.org/
Hijackthis: http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html
Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
Thats it folks...The rest depends on you.Good luck.
Related Items:
|
