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Six Steps To Avoid Spyware & Malware Infections
By John F | March 15, 2008
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Your computer usually gets infected because of outdated security settings, poor browser security and poor awareness of dodgy websites. Here are a number of recommendations to help strengthen them up, which will hopefully make you a less likely victim.
1 - Update Windows Regularly
Go to Start > Windows Update or go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and install all of the Critical security updates listed. If you are still using Service Pack 1 then upgrade to Service Pack 2 now! To check what Service Pack you have right click on the ‘my computer’ icon and under system information on the general tab will say either Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2.
It’s important to always keep up to date with the latest security fixes from Microsoft. This can patch many of the security holes through which attackers can infect your computer. The best option is to enable Automatic Updates under Start > Control Panel > Automatic Updates.
2 - Be Careful What You Download
Many “freeware” programs come with a vast amount of hidden spyware that will slow down your system, generate pop-up adverts, or just simply crash your browser or even Windows itself.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) programs Limewire, Kazza and Torrent programs and others are among the most notorious. If you insist on using P2P software, please ensure that you have a good firewall installed [not the Windows Firewall as that a poor firewall]. I’m not here to lecture you, but if you are using P2P programs to download movies and music without paying, then on your own head be it.
Even if the P2P software you are using is legal and clean, a large percentage of the files served on the P2P network are probably infected. Do not open any files without being certain of what they are!
3 - Avoid Dubious Web Sites.
Many disreputable sites will attempt to install malware on your system just by visiting the site in your browser. Lyrics sites, free software sites (particularly sites that target children), cracked software sites, and pornography sites are some of the worst offenders.
Most of the malware infection attempts will be blocked if you keep Windows updated and your internet browser secured (see 5 below). However, it is very important to only visit web sites that are reliable and trustworthy.
Never give out personal information of any sort online. And never click “OK” to a pop-up unless it is signed by a reputable company and you know what it is. For example, never ever say yes to a pop up advert that offers to scan your computer for free.
4 - Antivirus Protection
A good and strong Anti-Virus program is essential. There are many first-rate programs that you can purchase. However, I will always [where practical] advise the use of free programs when possible. Some very good and easy-to-use free antivirus programs are AVG or Avast. Please see the earlier post “How Secure Is Your Computer” for more information.
5 - Use A Good Internet Browser
Many malware infections install themselves by taking advantage of security holes in Microsoft Internet Explorer. It is strongly suggested that you consider using an alternate browser.
Firefox is a very good alternative to Internet Explorer [IE]. Opera is another web browser that is receiving good reviews. I use Firefox mainly, it’s less likely to be infected than IE and is faster and much more scalable that IE. Many helpful and useful plug-ins are available for Firefox in particular. Firefox and Opera are much less likely to be infected and is much better than IE at repelling browser hijackers, and handily comes with built-in pop-up blockers.
6 - Firewall, Your First Line of Defence
It is crucial that you use a firewall to protect your computer from hackers. Do not use the built in Windows Firewall as it’s very poor. It doesn’t block everything that may try to get in, it isn’t able to block any outbound data traffic, and the entire firewall is written to the registry. Given that most malware programs access the registry and can disable the Windows firewall easily, it’s a much better option to install a decent [and free] firewall.
I would recommend either Zonealarm or Comodo. Both are free for home use. Ensure you install only one and turn off the Windows firewall. Please be aware that you should only run one anti-virus program and one firewall on your system. Running more than one of these at a time can cause system crashes and conflicts with each other.
If you follow all of the above points you will have a much safer and quicker computer.
Topics: Computer Security Usefulness |