How to protect yourself from spyware?

If it isn’t one thing, it’s something else. That’s one of those silly phrases that pretty much go without saying. Just like ‘wherever you go, there you are’. In this case, this phrase seems like the most appropriate.

Computers on the Internet are constantly hit with viruses and other malicious programs so that users will employ antivirus software in an attempt to protect their computers. Email inboxes are flooded constantly with useless spam, so that users will employ anti-spam programs and techniques in an attempt to protect their computers.

When you think you have things under control you usually find out that your system has a barrage of spyware and adware programs silently running in the background monitoring and reporting on your computer activity. This is where the phrase “if it isn’t one thing, it’s something else” comes into play.

The more spyware and adware monitors and tracks the sites you visit on the web the more companies can determine the web surfing habits of their users and try to pinpoint their exact marketing efforts. Many forms of spyware however; go beyond simple tracking and actually monitor keystrokes, capture passwords, and use other various functions which cross the line and pose a major security risk.

You may have asked yourself in the past, or wondered how you can protect yourself from these insidious little programs. As ironic as it may sound, many users unwittingly agree to install these programs. The fact remains, some spyware and adware might render some freeware or shareware programs useless if they are removed.

Spyware and adware are out there, all over the Internet just waiting to invade your computer. Below, you will find 5 steps that you can follow to try and avoid, and if not avoid, at least detect and remove these types of programs from your computer:

1. Be careful where you download from – Faulty programs usually come from faulty sites. When you’re looking for a freeware or shareware program for a specific purpose, try searching trusted sites like www.download.com and www.cnet.com
2. Be sure to read the EULA – If you have never heard of a EULA, it stands for End User License Agreement. A EULA is all of the technical and legal text in that box above the buttons that say “No, I do not accept” or “Yes, I have read and accept these terms”. Many people consider this to be a nuisance and click “yes” without even reading a word. The EULA is actually a legal agreement you are making with the software vendor. Unless you read it, you may be unwittingly agreeing to install spyware or adware. Often times, the better answer is “No”.
3. Read before you click – In some instances, when you visit a website, a text box might pop up out of the blue. Similar to the EULA, many users consider these a nuisance as well and will click just to make the box go away. People will click “yes” or “ok” without checking to see that box actually said “would you like to install our wonderful spyware program?” They generally don’t come out and say it directly, but it’s all the more reason you should stop and read those messages before you click anything.
4. Protect your system – Antivirus software is losing its touch these days. A virus is a small part of the malicious code that these programs protect you from. Antivirus programs have expanded to include worms, Trojans, exploits, jokes, and even spyware and adware. If you’re antivirus doesn’t block and detect spyware and adware you should look into one that will.
5. Scan your system – Even though you might be using antivirus software, firewalls, and other protective measures; some spyware and adware may eventually break through to your system. There are several spyware and adware scanners that you could use to ensure that these annoying pests are removed from your computer.

Following these five steps will help you keep your system protected from spyware and help you detect and remove any that manages to get into your system.