Tips to Counter Spyware
In the field of computers and networked communications, spyware has become a menace for lots of computer users and working professionals. Hence, it is essential to take certain precautions to counter spyware.
It is important to use antivirus software that also offers protection against spyware. Update it regularly and permit it to scan the computer. In addition, use a personal firewall on the computer system.
Another important tip is to avoid any questionable software. For this, surfers have to ensure that any installed software comes from trusted sources. In addition, I know that it sucks, but read the end User License Agreement or at least skim it to make sure that you are not giving permission to install any “extras”. Never use spyware-laden “freeware” such as weather updates and peer-to-peer file sharing programs.
Set the browser to block session or third party cookies. They keep a track of the websites that people visit and then prepare a report about them for other websites. In the case of Internet Explorer raise the privacy setting to medium or high. In Firefox, go to preferences, then privacy, and uncheck the accept third party cookies check box.
Delete any temporary Internet files and thereafter, set the history to a single day. For people, who visit a website that tries to search the history or the cache of temporary files for information, it is important to restrict the amount of time for which the information is stored. This may reduce the amount of data that they may gather about the particular person. In addition, deleting temporary Internet files can also help in the removal of any sensitive information that may on the hard drive. (Keep in mind that you will need to frequently bookmark the sites you might want to revisit later.)
Never trust known or unknown high-risk sources. While visiting unfamiliar websites, it is important that surfers exercise caution. This includes sites that have lots of pop-ups and requests to install other components and applications for your browser.
Questionable sites also include those with a content that focuses largely on questionable or illegal topics such as hacking, software cracking and things like that. For people, who visit these types of sites; never allow browser plug-ins, like ActiveX, Runtime, or other applications to install on the system.
