Nick Lyustiger, Spyware - How to Protect Your Computer from it

[Super Star]

Nick Lyustiger, Spyware - How to Protect Your Computer from it



Spyware was in headlines for the first time in 1999 when a freeware game
called ? Elf Bowling? circulated with spying software along with it. Since
then spywares are creating a havoc in the computer world. Some of the
downloadable software comes with a licensing agreement that a spyware
program will be installed along with the requested software. But most of us
do not go through the agreement properly. Spyware exists as independent
executable programs. These malicious software have the ability to monitor
keystrokes, change the default home page on the Web browser, read cookies,
scan files on the hard drive, install other spyware programs and even spy
other applications, such as chat programs or word processors. The spywares
continuously relay this information back to the person who is spying. He
will either use it for advertising/marketing purposes or sell the
information to another party.

Steps of protecting your computer against spywares Protecting against
spywares is very essential to safeguard personal identity and other vital
information. There are four essential steps that are essential to safeguard
your computer against this malicious software. * Updating the operating
system regularly * Installing an anti virus software and updating it
regularly * Utilizing the firewall software * Utilizing the anti spyware
software Regularly updating of the operating system It is always essential
to install all security related programs as soon as possible. One of the
best ways to do it is by utilizing the automatic update option in the
computer. But the problem with this is if the computer components are not
genuine but pirated ones, then the automatic updating of the operating
system may work. So one has to buy genuine parts and software and keep
updating regularly

Installing anti virus software Anti virus software prevents viruses from
getting attached to the programs in the computer and prevent them from
corrupting the files. Many reliable anti virus software are available some
of which are downloadable for free from the net. But one should regularly
update the antivirus software to prevent danger from newer virus threats.

The Firewall utility Hackers use viruses and Trojan Horses to find
unprotected computers and access them to delete information, steal personal
information or corrupt the files. Firewall security prevents these hackers
from doing these. Three types of firewall security are available * Hardware
routers: for home networks connected to internet * Wireless routers: for
wireless network * Software firewalls: for single computers

The Anti spyware software The antispyware software protects the computer
from those spying the web browsing habits of the victim, will prevent
unwanted pop up windows and prevent uninitiated changes in the computer
settings.

 Educate yourself about Spyware, adware and malware, and other unbiased home
PC security topics on
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.us.dell.com/pipermail/dkms-devel/attachments/20080107/42b19237/attachment.htm