Preventing spyware infection: Safe browsing tips – Part 1
When the Internet and World Wide Web were originally conceived, no one was able to anticipate the hassles and problems that have arisen in the past, such as spyware, viruses, worms, and phishing. In order to prevent spyware from infecting a family or office computer, one must be as aggressive as the spyware. Safe browsing and keeping a watch for security issues are a must.
The first and most important step in safe browsing is to use a web browser that is as secure as it is useful. If you use Internet Explorer, consider switching to a browser with fewer vulnerabilities, such as Mozilla Firefox (http://en-us.www.mozilla.com/ en-US/firefox/) or Apple Safari for Windows (http://www.apple.com/safari/) . Because there is no web browser without vulnerabilities, be sure to download and apply the latest patch as soon as they become available.
In addition to a secure browser, there are plugins available to aid in safe browsing. Due to Mozilla’s extension architecture, most of these are easy to find for the Firefox browser. Notable plugins are Adblock Plus, which blocks many annoying ads that are often tied to spyware, and the Google Toolbar for Firefox, which can detect web forgeries and help prevent phishing.
Despite using a secure web browser and plugins, you are the most important defense against spyware. In most cases, the amount of spyware that can possibly affect your computer is very related to your web browsing habits. Visiting shady websites such as websites related to software piracy or “warez,” hacking, or pornography is the easiest way to invite spyware to commandeer your computer. By simply avoiding these sites you have already won half of the battle. Also, make certain that anyone using your computer understands how to avoid spyware as well. When installing new software, be sure to know exactly what you are installing, who made it, and the trustworthiness of where you are downloading it. Shady programs often come with keyloggers or adware, sometimes even tampering with critical system files and not providing a clear method of uninstallation, such as an entry in the Add/Remove Programs utility. Lastly, be sure to occasionally check the address bar when browsing, to make sure that the link a friend just gave you is what they say it is, and not a forgery.
In the event that you already have spyware, or simply wish to find any on your computer, Spybot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.o rg) is often hailed as the best tool for ridding of spyware. In addition to removing spyware, it is also capable of restoring what you delete, in case you accidently delete something that was only listed as spyware.
It seems that as long as there is a large target on the Internet, i.e. homes and businesses, then there will always be spyware. Spyware is not an entity that is simply out of sight and out of mind. The way to ridding and preventing spyware begins, and ends, with you.
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