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15 ways to avoid spyware, malware, adware and viruses
Sunday, November 12, 2006
- Use Mozilla Firefox.
Insecure web browsers are gaping holes through which malicious code gains entry to your system. Mozilla FireFox is an excellent web browser with an emphasis on security, that’s maintained an entire community of talented, devoted volunteer programmers.
- Be suspicious of all e-mail attachments.
Whether an e-mail attachment comes from a friend, a co-worker or an unknown, put it under the spotlight before you download it. Who’s sending this to me? What’s the filename of the attachment? What type of file is this attachment? (hint: files other than photos, office documents, or anything else you don’t recognize should be scrutinized extensively) Was I expecting this file? Does this file have anything to do with the body of the e-mail message, or are they completely unrelated?
- Be extremely cautions of links in e-mails, IM messages, and IM profiles.
Follow the same procedure as e-mail attachments. Where is this link going to take you? Does it have anything to do with the message that was sent to me? What’s the address of the link? (right-click on the link, click “Properties” and check the “URL”)
- Think twice before installing software from unknown companies.
You can feel secure that software from a CD stamped “Microsoft” or “Apple” isn’t going to contain a virus, but do you really want to run the installer for software downloaded from “Joe’s House of Bits and Bytes”?
- Use anti-virus software, and keep it up to date.
Most major computer vendors offer to ship your system with anti-virus software pre-installed. Spring for this option, and regularly use that software’s automatic update feature to get protection against the latest digital baddies.
- Take advantage of free anti-malware software.
Quality programs include: AdAware SE Personal, and SpyBot Search & Destroy.
- Use an e-mail service that scans incoming messages for threats.
GMail is one such service.
- Consider making the switch to Apple computers.
Apple computers run an operating system called Mac OS X, that’s built from the ground up to be more secure that its competition. At the moment, there are very few, if any, viruses for the Mac.
- Avoid using add-on toolbars in your web browser.
You know what we mean – those “helpful” little toolbars that sit at the top of your browser window and display a search box, related links and other nifty little options. Guess what? You are are being observed, recorded and infected. If you must use one of these things, choose one of the few from reputable sources like Google and Yahoo!.
- Keep your Firewall on.
Windows comes with a free firewall. Click Start → Control Panel → Windows Firewall and make sure it’s turned on.
- Be careful of P2P file sharing networks.
Stay away from P2P networks. If you must use them, pay careful attention to what you are downloading. If a file is anything but an audio, video or image, you can be almost certain that it’s a threat to your system.
- Use a limited Windows user account for daily activities.
Many malicious programs exploit the fact that most home PC users have administrative access to their system to install dangerous software. Click Start → Control Panel → Users and create a limited user account to use as your “daily driver”. Keep an administrative account, protected with a strong, secure password on the side, and use it only when you need to install new software or run system updates.
- Be wary of security warnings that ask to download software while you browse the web.
Websites occasionally will ask you to download software in order to use special features. You’ll get a “Security Warning” asking if you trust the company that wants to install this software. Your trust is to be earned, not given.
- Read all unexpected messages and dialog boxes.
Whenever your computer pops up a message and asks you to make a decision, read that message carefully and make an informed decision. Don’t just blindly click on whatever pops up.
- Use common sense, and go with your gut.
Common sense is the enemy of digital threats. Think about the consequences of each action you take. When you are always conscious of your online activity, you can trust your gut to tell when evil is afoot.
[tags]SpyWare,AdWare,MalWare,Viruses[/tags]
Categories: Software, Tips & Tricks, Viruses Etc
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