Stop suffering computer troubles caused by spyware! Browser hijacked?
Mysterious pop-up windows appearing? Afraid your usage is being tracked?
We have over anti-spyware advice to help solve these problems.
Beware of peer-to-peer file-sharing services.
Many of the most popular applications include spyware in their installation procedures
. Also, never download any executables via P2P, because you can't be absolutely certain what they are.
Make sure to run an antispyware application.
Perform on-demand scans regularly to root out spyware that slips through the cracks.
Reboot after removal and rescan to make sure no ticklers, which are designed to reinstall
spyware, have resurrected any deleted apps. One useful tip I often use, is to restart my computer in
Safe Mode , run the anti spyware in SAFE MODE , which when you reboot seems to be more effective.
Give your antispyware some backup.
In addition to an antispyware app, make sure to run both software and hardware
firewalls and antivirus applications to protect yourself against Trojan horses
(and viruses).Most broadband providers , offer a firewall with the broadband service install
Don't install anything without knowing exactly what it is.!!
Read the end-user license agreement
(EULA) carefully, as some EULAs will actually tell you that if you install the app in question, you've
also decided to install some spyware with the software. Check independent sources as well, as some
EULAs won't tell you about spyware.
Squash bugs.
Web bugs are spies that are activated when you open contaminated HTML e-mail.
Get rid of unsolicited e-mail without reading it when you can; turn off the preview pane
to delete messages without opening them. In Outlook 2003, Tools | Options, click on the Security
tab and select Change Automatic Download Settings. Make sure Don't download pictures or other content
automatically in HTML e-mail is checked.
Protect yourself against drive-by downloads.
Make sure your browser settings are stringent enough to protect you.
In IE, this means your security settings for the Internet Zone should be at least medium. Deny the browser
permission to install any ActiveX control you haven't requested. XP Service Pack 2 has locked down the browser
significantly.
Stay abreast of spyware developments
Knowing the threat will help you defeat it.
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