Beware Of Spyware -- Steps To Take To Protect Your Computer
Spyware is software that gathers information about you without your knowledge or permission. Installing spyware on a computer can lead to exposure of sensitive information, identity theft and financial loss. It can also have consequences for the safety and privacy of both you and your family. Here are some steps to take to protect your computer from spyware:
1) Read the Terms of Use before installing any software.
2) Scan for malware using reliable anti-malware software such as MalSat (to scan for spyware) or Spybot Search & Destroy Free Edition (to scan for malware).
3) Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts with a known password or use a separate password maker program such as KeePass 2x.
4) Use a reliable and secure VPN client, such as ProtonVPN, that has a kill switch.
5) Keep all software up to date.
6) Keep the operating system updated with the latest patches.
7) Enable Windows Firewall or install third-party firewall software, such as Comodo Free Firewall or Kaspersky Free Firewall.
8) Enable two-factor authentication on any service that offers it.
9) Select privacy protective settings when installing and using programs and services (e.g., disable location services).
10) Stay current on all updates to your operating system, browser and other software applications including drivers, firmware and Java.
11) Back up frequently.
12) Consider how any information you collect may be misused.
13) Keep personal information in different locations.
14) Change passwords frequently, query passwords regularly and use a different password for each web site or service that requires one.
15) Read privacy policies BEFORE accepting terms and conditions of any software or services (e.g., Facebook).
16) Be wary of programs that ask for consent to install software or other components (e.g., free software). If you do not wish to install any downloads, refuse consent, uncheck the box and click "cancel".
17) Do not share personal information on public forums such as Facebook and Yahoo! Answers.
18) Read privacy policies carefully before accepting a service.
19) Avoid sharing your personal information with people you do not know.
20) Stop sharing personal information on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
21) Use particular caution when making payments on the internet, especially if they involve credit cards and/or monetary transactions.
22) Do not accept software that comes bundled with anything else (e.g., free offers with malware).
23) If you are concerned about your privacy or the safety of your computer, contact the technical support department of the software vendor, Internet service provider or system manufacturer for assistance prior to allowing someone to install software on your computer.
24) If you have had your computer compromised, remove all traces of the infection.
25) If spyware is preventing you from accessing certain programs or web sites, try booting the computer into safe mode and then uninstall the spyware.
26) Scan your computer for malware periodically using a reputable anti-malware program.
27) NEVER click on popups!
28) Delete Windows temporary files, cookies and browsing history regularly. 29) Use commonly trusted antivirus software from a well known vendor such as Kaspersky Labs or McAfee to scan for malware regularly.
30) Do not use dated browser versions (e.g., Internet Explorer 6); other browsers may be more secure (e.g., Firefox).
31) Never open e-mails from unfamiliar providers or senders.
32) Read privacy policies before accepting them.
33) Use alternative browsers such as Firefox for better security and privacy, especially if you can no longer use the Google Chrome browser (which was found to have many vulnerabilities).
I have had samples of these dreadful "spyware" type viruses so numerous that I have lost count. They are the computer equivalents of the invasive micro-organisms that invaded people's bodies decades ago. If I do not remove them immediately they very frequently multiply, eventually taking control of my computer and demanding money to release control. I have learned over time that these types of viruses are often transmitted by surfing the net while infected. In other words they ride on your system as if it is a common virus and copy whatever you have on your system to their own. In some cases they can be defeated by disabling JavaScript in your browser but that is not always sufficient to defeat them fully.
The viruses include those in the name of SearchProtect, Ad-Aware, Spybot and similar names and those are included here simply to show what I mean.
I have had quite a few of these terrible types of spyware viruses which are so invasive they take over your entire computer, even when you think you have disabled them! This is why I am so insistent that the first step in protecting yourself against these types of horrendous invasions is to delete ALL cookies and block their return.
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Beware of Spyware
Web sites with "spyware" track your activities to help build a profile about who you are. While some sites--like search engines--include a disclosure about tracking at the bottom of the page, most do not. Therefore, be careful when visiting a new website for the first time and do not continue using ones that make hidden attempts to track your activities.
In fact, installing a spyware and malware blocker such as Web of Trust is the least you can do. Even if it does not prevent you from accessing any web sites where tracking is in use, at least it will warn you when you are about to enter one.
From there I have learned to delete cookies on a regular basis and block their return, as I explain below:
A cookie is a piece of data that some websites store on your computer while you are visiting them. In some cases they track who you are by keeping a list of your activities while surfing the net, even if they do not know your name or e-mail address!
On the other hand, most browsers' settings automatically accept cookies. However, you can delete cookies if you wish.
To avoid cookies, do the following:
In Internet Explorer 8: Tools > Internet Options > Privacy tab > Settings button (under the General heading).
In Firefox click the Tools button and select Options. In the Personal Information section, click Delete Cookies and Web Data. In Internet Explorer under Tools menu, click Internet Options... button in the Privacy section. Go to Delete Cookies and Data Files button to select Delete All Cookies and Data Files. Click OK button then Close all pop-up windows when finished.
Conclusion:
For the most part, Windows Internet Explorer 8 resolves some of the privacy issues, but you'll want to read all the information about cookies--which is a whole discussion in itself.
However, this does not mean that everything is all right with Internet Explorer 8. There are still plenty of problems and other browsers have much better options for privacy. For example, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox do not use cookies at all, so they do not track you while browsing or tell advertisers what they think you are interested in buying while shopping online.
A quick search on Google will show you at least a dozen different browser options and/or add-ons that can block cookies as well as provide more privacy when surfing the net.