Part IV: Tips to Prevent Spyware

Ok, so we have discussed what spyware is and how to recognize whether it is on your computer. We have also talk about how to get rid of it. Next, we will talk about steps you can take to significantly reduce the chances of getting infected with spyware in the future.

Anti-Spyware Software
If you have followed the steps in Part III: How to Remove Spyware then you have already completed this step towards protecting yourself from spyware in the future. As was stated there, anti-spyware software can not only detect and remove spyware from your computer, but many programs also have components that help prevent any spyware that it can detect from being installed in the first place. Some software can actively scan your hard drive and registry, similar to the way that most modern anti-virus applications work, to find spyware components that have snuck onto your computer. Other programs allow you to set a schedule to allow the program to automatically open and run a full scan. It is important that you review any documentation for the spyware software you choose to use to see which options are available for automatic scanning.

Windows Update
It is very important to keep your Windows operating system up to date. Microsoft typically releases updates for Windows on every second Tuesday of the month unless they deem that the update is so absolutely critical that it needs to be released and installed immediately. Many of these updates are design to patch security vulnerabilities in Windows and some other popular Microsoft products that can be integrated into the operating system, such as Internet Explorer and Office. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by spyware creators to gain access to your computer without your knowledge or permission. You can run Windows Update manually by going to the address http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com (using Internet Explorer only) or you can set your computer to check for and/or install updates using the Automatic Update control panel.

Safe Browsing
Even for those of us that spend a lot of time on the internet, it is not always easy to tell where the information we are viewing is coming from. It is important to pay close attention to what is going on if you are visiting sites that are not published by well-known publishers, especially if they feature 'too good to be true' advertisements or pornography. You are more likely to be attacked with spyware while visiting those types of sites. Be careful about what you download. If you get a prompt to download something or a pop-up ad that looks suspicious then close it immediately by using the X button in the top right corner of the window. Although some ads have links in them to close or cancel, they may actually be part of the ad as well and therefore can produce the same effect as clicking Yes or OK. If you're not sure how to safely close a window that has opened in your browser, right click on the window in your Windows Taskbar (usually at the bottom of your display) and click on Close.

You should also check your web browser's security settings. Microsoft recommends you to keep the settings for Internet Explorer on Medium or higher. For more information on setting the security settings in IE click here. The higher the security settings are set the fewer things that will load automatically without at least prompting you to see if it is ok to do first.

File Sharing Applications and Free Utilities
If you use file sharing applications on your computer and/or use free utilities downloaded from the internet then you are at a higher risk to become infected with spyware. The U.S. government's Federal Trade Commission has issued a consumer alert about the use of file-sharing applications and the potential dangers. Read it here: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/sharealrt.htm

Files that are available to download through file sharing applications may not actually be what they appear to be. They may have other items bundled with it or may be something different all together. In these cases it is not always obvious even after you open a particular file. Not using any file sharing applications is the obvious best way to avoid infection by this manner. However, those of you that do use these programs should use extreme caution.

You should also read the software agreement thoroughly before installing any software, especially if the software is free. Many people skim through these software agreements or do not read them at all. Many file sharing applications and free utilities bundle additional software into their installers that can be considered spyware. Information about the additional software is usually listed in the software agreement. By agreeing to the terms set forth in the agreement you are acknowledging that you are aware of and are ok with this software being installed.

Safe Computing
There are several other things that you can do to reduce your risk of being infected with spyware.

1. Use a browser other then Internet Explorer. Many computer security experts contend that using IE can increase your risk in part because Internet Explorer is so tightly integrated into the Windows operating system. Because of this vulnerabilities in IE tend to give hackers greater access to your computer then those of other browsers. Also because of its popularity, hackers tend to target Internet Explorer more often in order to have a greater effect.
2. Parents should give children limited user accounts. Windows 2000 and XP allow you to set up multiple user accounts. Users with limited accounts have less access to install software and change settings.
3. Use a personal firewall. A firewall can 'cloak' your computer from hackers and potential attacks on the internet. Having a firewall operating on your computer can reduce the risk of being infected by external sources. Windows XP has firewall software built into it. The firewall is turned on by default in Service Pack 2.