Spyware has become an increasingly intrusive technology with no let up in sight. The spyware companies see no evil in what they do and have no remorse about loading their software on your computer.
Its worth noting before you proceed that 99.9% of the spyware problem is a result of improper settings in Internet Explorer. Namely having ActiveX turned on. The problem is that ActiveX is enabled by default in Internet Explorer and most people dont know what ActiveX is, much less do they care, nor should they in the big scope of things.
So understanding that, it may be wise, and alot easier, to start using a new browser such as Firefox or Opera. These browsers are not subject to all of the exploits and constant security patches that IE is. By simply switching to one of these browsers you will reduce your daily intake of spyware carbs dramatically…
Here’s a rundown of some features of these browsers:
Firefox – Firefox offers popup blocking, tabbed browsing, integrated search and spyware protection by not downloading malicious ActiveX controls. Best of all its free. Another cool feature is that all downloads are automatically saved to your desktop so they are easy to find.
Opera – The Opera browser is fast. It also is now free, and allows you to block pop ups, manage rss feeds, use an integrated Google, Amazon and shopping search.
Removing spyware can be a chore. Using the right tools can help but sometimes even then it can be a laborious task. Each tool has a particular strength as outlined below.
SpywareBlaster – immunizes your browser against known spyware installs. Updated often.
Ad Aware – the free version does a good job. The professional version seems to be a lot faster and the updates are very “up to date”.
Spybot – Spybot is a free utility that also “immunizes” your browser as well as seeking out spyware applications. Spybot is not updated as often as Ad Aware.
TCPView – more of a diagnostic tool for more experienced computer users it shows open ports and the exe files using them. This can be very handy information to someone who knows what to look for.
HijackThis – a tool used to list all the BHO’s (browser helper objects) and some key processes spyware uses to hijack your browser and spy on your activities.
BHODemon – utility that shows all the installed BHO’s (browser helper objects) on your system.
Byutilizing these tools you can start to eliminate the threats you already have installed as well as immunize yourself against future spyware hijack attempts.
Blocking a few ports such as port 135 and turning off unused services in Windows will help a great deal in keeping you spyware free.
It’s a war zone out there and it doesn’t look like it will get better anytime soon. Spyware is here to stay for a long time and it’s pretty much up to you to educate and protect yourself.
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