There are lot computer information talks about the dangers and risks of computers infected by spyware. So little talks about how to actually prevent spyware. Preventing spyware is more than just using a program. Preventing spyware starts with a mindset of alert computing.
Being an alert computer user is a contradiction these days. Our attention spans are pulled all over the desktop, Internet and social media sites. All the while, we're faced with normal distractions of our jobs, finances, getting enough sleep and what's for dinner. All the distractions in our lives are the first step to making us vulnerable to spyware.
Here are several tips on how to prevent spyware and why each is important. The unifying thought in each tip is being an alert and attentive computer user. This may take more time out of the day and a little bit of research. In the end, the time spent preventing spyware is more time and money saved in the future.
Visit websites you trust
Mainstream websites tend to be safer and therefore more trustworthy than other sites. Two fundamental reasons being: they have more money to monitor website security and they don't have to turn to unsafe content to generate money.
Mainstream websites are also monitored by more users, so mistakes and errors are typically fixed sooner.
CNN, New York Times, Facebook and Google are all generally more safe than no-name websites that don't have a brand of sorts, or look like they were strung together from feeds of information.
Unsafe websites usually have ties with illegal services. They are selling illegal software, storing illegal media (movies, music, games) or contain pornographic material. Sites that can't rely on traditional revenue streams (movie download sites) or are just in it to make a quick buck (porn sites, in particular) tend to sell advertising space to spyware makers and therefore expose users to spyware.
Before you click on a link, look at the bottom left to see where the link is taking you. If you don't trust the site, don't click it.
Know the sites you visit, so if you get spyware, you know which site not to visit again.
Only download software you trust
When your web browser asks you to download an ActiveX control, Javascript or other software that you did not initiate on your own, consider the source first.
Then read the digital signature and the program's info because spyware can be attached to programs that are downloaded or can be downloaded by approving an unsafe applet. Research the information to make sure other users haven't been infected.
Avoid or disregard websites and applications that say "You are infected with a virus and need to download removal software NOW!" These sites are usually scams for rogue anti-spyware that costs money and pretends to be a spyware remover, but does little more than embed itself in your computer, making removal a time-consuming process.
Protect your gates
A combination of good antivirus and spyware programs, one each, will help protect and monitor your computer while you're browsing the web.
Update the definitions for your security programs so as the latest spyware comes out, your spyware remover is ready for defense.
Set up continuous monitoring and regular spyware checks. Continuous monitoring will alert you if the spyware remover believes an unsafe program is being downloaded. Regular spyware checks will eliminate spyware that's installed before more spyware is downloaded. Spyware weakens a computer to other viruses and spyware.
Being an alert computer user is a contradiction these days. Our attention spans are pulled all over the desktop, Internet and social media sites. All the while, we're faced with normal distractions of our jobs, finances, getting enough sleep and what's for dinner. All the distractions in our lives are the first step to making us vulnerable to spyware.
Here are several tips on how to prevent spyware and why each is important. The unifying thought in each tip is being an alert and attentive computer user. This may take more time out of the day and a little bit of research. In the end, the time spent preventing spyware is more time and money saved in the future.
Visit websites you trust
Mainstream websites tend to be safer and therefore more trustworthy than other sites. Two fundamental reasons being: they have more money to monitor website security and they don't have to turn to unsafe content to generate money.
Mainstream websites are also monitored by more users, so mistakes and errors are typically fixed sooner.
CNN, New York Times, Facebook and Google are all generally more safe than no-name websites that don't have a brand of sorts, or look like they were strung together from feeds of information.
Unsafe websites usually have ties with illegal services. They are selling illegal software, storing illegal media (movies, music, games) or contain pornographic material. Sites that can't rely on traditional revenue streams (movie download sites) or are just in it to make a quick buck (porn sites, in particular) tend to sell advertising space to spyware makers and therefore expose users to spyware.
Before you click on a link, look at the bottom left to see where the link is taking you. If you don't trust the site, don't click it.
Know the sites you visit, so if you get spyware, you know which site not to visit again.
Only download software you trust
When your web browser asks you to download an ActiveX control, Javascript or other software that you did not initiate on your own, consider the source first.
Then read the digital signature and the program's info because spyware can be attached to programs that are downloaded or can be downloaded by approving an unsafe applet. Research the information to make sure other users haven't been infected.
Avoid or disregard websites and applications that say "You are infected with a virus and need to download removal software NOW!" These sites are usually scams for rogue anti-spyware that costs money and pretends to be a spyware remover, but does little more than embed itself in your computer, making removal a time-consuming process.
Protect your gates
A combination of good antivirus and spyware programs, one each, will help protect and monitor your computer while you're browsing the web.
Update the definitions for your security programs so as the latest spyware comes out, your spyware remover is ready for defense.
Set up continuous monitoring and regular spyware checks. Continuous monitoring will alert you if the spyware remover believes an unsafe program is being downloaded. Regular spyware checks will eliminate spyware that's installed before more spyware is downloaded. Spyware weakens a computer to other viruses and spyware.
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