By Mike Ncube
Spyware is one of the most prevalent malicious software threats. Its main purpose is to spy on your online activity and for this reason you may not be aware you have it on your PC.
But a common sign that you have spyware is if you have a lot of annoying pop-up advertisements on your PC. And if it's sluggish and unresponsive, then that's further confirmation of spyware infection.
However, spyware has many other functions and they extend well beyond annoying adverts. It could be used to collect your personal information which could be used for cyber crime and other criminal activity.
Spyware is not to be confused with other malware threats like viruses and worms. It doesn't replicate like these other threats but is designed specifically for commercial gain. However, it's rare that a PC will only have spyware on it; it's more common that viruses and other threats would have also gained access to the PC and therefore exacerbates the security threat.
So it's important that you take the steps below to prevent spyware on your PC.
Spyware Prevention Tips
1. Parental Controls
Not only should you monitor children and youth on your PC, but you must carefully supervise anyone who uses it, especially for the internet. Many people have a habit of going to websites they're not supposed to and this could easily lead to spyware infection.
With Parental Controls, you can make the job of spyware prevention a lot easier by blocking all types of dangerous websites, searches, downloads and activities online.
2. Dodgy Websites
Don't visit websites that are known to spread spyware threats. Examples include porn and adult sites that are known to spread adware (advertising software) and spyware. And your PC will also be vulnerable to dangerous threats like Trojans, keyloggers and viruses.
3. Pop-up Adverts
Never click on any pop-up adverts no matter how genuine they appear. They'll likely infect your PC and send you a multitude of adverts and pop-ups. A common type of pop-up to avoid is a banner with a question with a "YES" or "NO" or "CANCEL" button. Whichever button you click, it will install a piece of spyware on your computer. And beware also of the "X" button which usually appears below the real closing "X".
4. Email Attachments
No matter how enticing it looks, don't open an attachment from an unknown source. It's always spam and carries with it spyware threats that harm your PC. Even attachments from known sources like friends or colleagues should be treated with caution, and if you're not sure, just don't open them. Instead, ask the sender to place the content in the body of the message; that way you won't have to download anything. And if it's a picture, they can upload it to a picture sharing site and view it or download it from there.
5. File Sharing Sites
File sharing sites like Kazaa are danger spots for PCs because they help spread spyware and adware threats. The software programs on these sites claim they don't contain adware, but that is false with many of them. And many users on these file sharing sites don't take precaution when sharing music files and software programs.
6. Antivirus Software
Our last tip is actually one of the most important steps you should take to prevent spyware infection. Without antivirus software, it is inevitable that your PC will be infected with spyware and malware threats. And it will also be open to hundreds of other threats like viruses, Trojans and hackers which also increase the spyware threat. So we recommend you download security software like Kaspersky Antivirus.
But a common sign that you have spyware is if you have a lot of annoying pop-up advertisements on your PC. And if it's sluggish and unresponsive, then that's further confirmation of spyware infection.
However, spyware has many other functions and they extend well beyond annoying adverts. It could be used to collect your personal information which could be used for cyber crime and other criminal activity.
Spyware is not to be confused with other malware threats like viruses and worms. It doesn't replicate like these other threats but is designed specifically for commercial gain. However, it's rare that a PC will only have spyware on it; it's more common that viruses and other threats would have also gained access to the PC and therefore exacerbates the security threat.
So it's important that you take the steps below to prevent spyware on your PC.
Spyware Prevention Tips
1. Parental Controls
Not only should you monitor children and youth on your PC, but you must carefully supervise anyone who uses it, especially for the internet. Many people have a habit of going to websites they're not supposed to and this could easily lead to spyware infection.
With Parental Controls, you can make the job of spyware prevention a lot easier by blocking all types of dangerous websites, searches, downloads and activities online.
2. Dodgy Websites
Don't visit websites that are known to spread spyware threats. Examples include porn and adult sites that are known to spread adware (advertising software) and spyware. And your PC will also be vulnerable to dangerous threats like Trojans, keyloggers and viruses.
3. Pop-up Adverts
Never click on any pop-up adverts no matter how genuine they appear. They'll likely infect your PC and send you a multitude of adverts and pop-ups. A common type of pop-up to avoid is a banner with a question with a "YES" or "NO" or "CANCEL" button. Whichever button you click, it will install a piece of spyware on your computer. And beware also of the "X" button which usually appears below the real closing "X".
4. Email Attachments
No matter how enticing it looks, don't open an attachment from an unknown source. It's always spam and carries with it spyware threats that harm your PC. Even attachments from known sources like friends or colleagues should be treated with caution, and if you're not sure, just don't open them. Instead, ask the sender to place the content in the body of the message; that way you won't have to download anything. And if it's a picture, they can upload it to a picture sharing site and view it or download it from there.
5. File Sharing Sites
File sharing sites like Kazaa are danger spots for PCs because they help spread spyware and adware threats. The software programs on these sites claim they don't contain adware, but that is false with many of them. And many users on these file sharing sites don't take precaution when sharing music files and software programs.
6. Antivirus Software
Our last tip is actually one of the most important steps you should take to prevent spyware infection. Without antivirus software, it is inevitable that your PC will be infected with spyware and malware threats. And it will also be open to hundreds of other threats like viruses, Trojans and hackers which also increase the spyware threat. So we recommend you download security software like Kaspersky Antivirus.
Check out the Kaspersky antivirus review for a detailed description of this software that will help you in spyware prevention. It will help your PC fight this threat and also block other malware threats.
You can also view other antivirus reviews to search for software that may be suited to your PC security needs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Ncube You can also view other antivirus reviews to search for software that may be suited to your PC security needs.
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