Why You Need Spyware Protection
Jeff Usher
Spyware ranges from the merely annoying, generating popup ads and slowing down your computer and internet use, to the very dangerous, logging keystrokes in an attempt to get at your passwords, account numbers and other sensitive information.
Why you need to protect yourself and your data
Unfortunately, spyware is everywhere, and the coders of this malicious software are becoming cleverer at disguising their code and tricking users into running and installing it. As with viruses and other malicious code, spyware sometimes gets on your PC in the form of a link or piece of code buried in an email. In some cases, the spyware can infect the computer even if the dangerous email is not opened.
Other forms of spyware are encountered simply by surfing the web. Some web pages contain malicious code that can track your movements, keep track of the products you purchase and the websites you visit, they can even steal passwords and account information.
The fact is that spyware is almost impossible to avoid these days. If you surf the web at all, or use your computer for email, chances are you will encounter spyware at some time or another. As with virus protection, the key is to be informed, and to use the correct software to protect yourself from this threat. There are a number of excellent products on the market which can root out spyware and automatically protect you from the harmfull effects.
Try the programs before you buy
Before choosing a spyware removal product, it is a good idea to try out several different tools and see what they find on your PC. Different brands of spyware removal tools will find different types of spyware, so it is important to find out which one is the best before spending your hard earned cash. Most suppliers of anti-spyware software offer a free trial period, so it is quite easy to try out before you buy it.
Additionally, if your computer is fairly new chances are it came packaged with some sort of spyware detection program, either a full version or a free trial version. Be sure to check your computer to see what kind of protection it has. Some computers come bundled with a security suite, including spyware elimination, virus protection and firewall protection.
If your computer does not have some sort of spyware protection already installed you have a variety of choices when it comes to keeping yourself protected. Many companies make spyware protection products, including anti-virus companies like Symantec and Norton. In addition, Microsoft has introduced a very good spyware protection tool. Again, it is a good idea to download several trial versions and see what they can do.
The key, however, is to make sure that some sort of spyware protection is running on your computer at all times. The threat posed by spyware is present whenever you are online, and it is vital to protect your personal data from those who seek to profit from it.
About the author: Jeff Usher has written articles on various topics but his speciality is in PC Support and Internet. For more information on this article please visit:-
http://internet-s ecurity.morechoice.info
The latest information and news on Spywaredude:
In what appears to be just a bad headline, the business publication says that Microsoft plans to introduce spyware. (It's actually planning free antivirus software)
Court Slams Door On Sale of Spyware (Slashdot)
coondoggie writes "The Federal Trade Commission yesterday had a US District Court issue a temporary restraining order halting the sale of RemoteSpy keylogger spyware. According to the FTC's complaint, RemoteSpy spyware was sold to clients who would then secretly monitor unsuspecting consumers' computers. The defendants provided RemoteSpy clients with detailed instructions explaining how to ...
WOT Releases Extended Protection for Web-Based Email Users (PRWeb)
WOT, Web of Trust, extends the security protection of its popular browser add-on to the top three Internet-based email services -- Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail. WOT checks links embedded in email and warns users of dangerous websites to help them avoid spyware, spam, phishing, identity theft and other Internet fraud, before they risk clicking. (PRWeb Nov 21, 2008) Read ...
WOT Releases Extended Protection for Web-Based Email Users (PRWeb via Yahoo! ...
WOT, Web of Trust, extends the security protection of its popular browser add-on to the top three Internet-based email services -- Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail. WOT checks links embedded in email and warns users of dangerous websites to help them avoid spyware, spam, phishing, identity theft and other Internet fraud, before they risk clicking.
Phisher-besieged PayPal sends users faux log-in page (The Register)
Error.com's missed opportunity PayPal, the online payment service that is a major target of phishers, has been caught sending customer emails that confuse its own login page with a third-party landing site that offers spyware protection and a bevy of other products.?
FTC get CyberSpy?s RemoteSpy banned in the U.S. (Geek.com)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been successful in its bid to get the RemoteSpy spyware application released by CyberSpy Software banned in the U.S. For now the ban is temporary, but the FTC are pushing to make it permanent. The ban stems from a complaint (PDF) lodged by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) back [...]
Microsoft to offer free anti-virus software (The Manila Times)
Microsoft has announced plans to offer free anti-virus software to PC users starting next year. The Redmond, Washington-based software giant said the software, code-named "Morro," will "provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans."
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Microsoft Will Replace OneCare with Security Software (NewsFactor via Yahoo! ...
Microsoft plans to stop accepting paid subscriptions to Windows Live OneCare in mid-2009. The security software is slated to be replaced by a free offering code-named Morro, which will focus on providing consumer PCs with core protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans and other forms of malware.
Week in review: Yahoo to replace Yang (CNET)
Search giant searches for new CEO, while Microsoft takes its security strategy in a new direction. Also: Sing along with DRM.