Preventing Spyware

Spyware safety is critical since it is more malicious and powerful than ever before. That’s why spyware protection requires the power of knowledge and the support of antispyware experts to keep you safe online. Webroot has the most technologically advanced spyware prevention software and research system in the world. Use the expertise below to fortify your spyware protection.

Just say "No!" to freeware

The best path to preventing spyware infection is avoiding unwanted programs in the first place. One of the primary sources of spyware infection is free programs downloaded from the Internet. There’s really no doubt about it: safe file sharing is next to impossible. There are reputable sites that offer legitimate freeware but it’s difficult to investigate every free program to distinguish between the good and bad. Take these steps to strengthen your spyware protection right away:

• Only download software from sites you trust
• Pay careful attention to what you’re downloading and know what other programs you’ve agreed to along with the original file
• The next time you’re redirected to a site that tempts you to install a search toolbar, screen saver, smiley faces or cute cursors, think twice
• Check reviews by other users before installing a program

Increase your browser security settings

A big part of preventing spyware is protecting yourself from drive-by downloads and automatic installation of unwanted programs. Be sure your browser security settings to "High."

Update your security patches regularly

Another easy form of spyware safety is to make sure your operating system is up-to-date with all the latest security patches.

Avoid questionable Web sites

Avoid Web sites that offer unscrupulous content such as pirated software or adult material. These sites are notorious for spreading spyware threats. If you are visiting such sites, do not click "yes" or "OK" to anything or you will likely receive some form of spyware.

Be suspicious of email and IM

E-mail and instant messaging are common delivery methods for malicious programs. An important part of preventing spyware is beefing-up your spyware protection:

• Avoid opening attachments unless you know the sender and are expecting something from them
• Immediately delete messages you suspect are spam – Do not open them!
• Avoid get rich quick offers, pornography or too-good-to-be-true messages
• Do not provide personal information to any unsolicited requests for information
• Avoid clicking on links within a message
• Reviewing an email in the preview pane can initiate a spyware/virus download, so turn off the preview option

Use public or multiple-user computers with extreme caution

Preventing spyware becomes much more complicated when you're using a shared or public computer, as it is nearly impossible to know what other users may have done there. Detecting spyware is the first step to securing a PC.  When using a multiple-user computer, protect yourself by first visiting free spyware scan. See if anything exists on the public PC that could steal your identity or monitor your Internet browsing session. 

Beware of peer-to-peer file sharing services

P2P network clients often load malicious programs onto your PC when you sign up for their service. The files you swap and share (photos, music, videos or games) may contain malicious programs. The most conservative protection plan would be to avoid these services all together.  If avoiding these isn’t an option, make sure to have security software installed and up-to-date.

Use a firewall

A firewall's basic task is to control traffic between computer networks with different zones of trust. The Internet, teeming with spyware, is a no-trust zone; an internal network usually is (or should be) a high-trust zone. Use a firewall that monitors traffic between computers on an internal network as well as the Internet traffic in and out of your computer. The firewall should also hide your PC from online scammers looking for easy targets. 

Use antivirus protection

It is crucial to have the latest antivirus signatures from an established security software vendor. While free antivirus downloads are available, they just can’t stay ahead of the continuous onslaught of new threat strains. Previously undetected forms of spyware and viruses can often do the most damage, so it’s critical to have up-to-the-minute, guaranteed protection.

Use a quality antispyware product, not a free one

Online threats are becoming more and more sophisticated and free applications just can't keep up.  Purchasing quality spyware protection software is the best way to protect your PC from spyware.  Manual removal of spyware is extremely difficult, even for experts, and isn’t recommended.  Look for these qualities when selecting spyware protection software:

Consider alternate browsers.

Spyware programmers know that the majority of Web surfers use Internet Explorer.  Because of this many spyware programs are designed to target Internet Explorer.  By simply using an alternate browser you’re immune to some, not all, spyware programs.

When you arm yourself with information and resources, you’re wiser about computer security threats and less vulnerable to threat tactics. Now, learn how to find the right spyware safety solution for you: Find a fix.