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The first thing that I recommend is to install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (assuming that you are running Windows XP). The service pack fixes a number of Internet Explorer security holes and also provides a welcome pop up blocker. More importantly though, it contains a new add-on manager that allows you to see what programs have been linked to Internet Explorer and to disable those programs if necessary. There is a great article about all of Windows XP Service Pack 2’s new security features at: http://www.updatexp.com/windows-xp-service-pack-2.html You can download the actual service pack site

The next step that I recommend taking is to configure Internet Explorer’s Security zones to block malicious sites. Internet Explorer allows you to classify Web sites as being trusted, restricted, local Intranet, or Internet. If you place a link to a Web site into the Restricted Sites category, Internet Explorer won’t stop you from visiting the site, but it will prevent that site from being able to harm your machine if you do visit it.

Spybot Search and Destroy contains an immunization feature in which it adds quite a few malicious sites to the Restricted Sites list in case you get hijacked and land on one of those sites accidentally. Another free tool that does an even better job is Spyware Blaster. This tool contains a list of thousands of sites that can be added to the Restricted Sites list. Spyware Blaster does not clean spyware infections. It’s entire goal is to prevent infections in the first place. There is even a feature that allows you to lock down your Internet Explorer home page so that it can’t be changed. You can download Spyware Blaster at: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Finally, most spyware is designed to report information about you or about your computer to a server somewhere on the Internet. The Windows firewall will go a long way to preventing spyware from “phoning home” but there are other things that you can do as well.

My number one recommendation is to unplug your modem when it isn’t being used. Some spyware modules include dialers that silently cause your modem to dial 1-900 numbers or to call foreign countries. The end result is an outrageous phone bill. You can prevent this from happening though by simply unplugging your modem cord when your modem is not being used.

Another option is to install Spyware Blocker http://www.spyblocker-software.com/spyblocker/sb.shtm Although installing spyware blocker is no substitute for unplugging your modem, it does prevent spyware from transmitting information about you or about your computer to spy servers while you are online. I have never actually used this product myself (yet), but it has received very favorable reviews. Read More......

These tips will help to prevent spyware and adware from getting into your computer. If you stop adware and spyware before it gets into your files, you're protecting your private information such as passwords, credit card numbers and other documents that you don't want to share with anyone.

While spyware and adware removers are important to clean your computer files out, the best thing you can do is prevent spyware from ever being installed in the first place. Here are four ways to help prevent spyware and adware from getting into your computer.


Keep Your Windows Software Updated

One of the best ways to prevent spyware and adware from getting into your computer is to keep your Windows operating system software updated.

Windows update addresses security fixes that Microsoft is constantly updating so your computer won't be vulnerable. Windows update is a free download from Microsoft at Windows Update

Use Computer Firewall Protection
One of the most effective ways to stop spyware and adware is the use of computer firewall protection. Computer firewalls put up barriers to keep malicious programs from being downloaded without your knowledge when you are on the internet.

With computer firewall protection enabled everything that is going in and out of your computer is monitored. This acts as a protective barrier allowing good data through while blocking the bad data from entering your computer.

Most people don't realize that if you use Windows XP it comes with a firewall that you can turn on or off. Microsoft's site explains the step by step process to enable or disable Windows XP Firewall at Windows XP Firewall Tutorial

Be Careful What You Download

Another good way to prevent spyware and adware from getting in your computer is being careful what you download from the Internet. A few types of software are particularly notorious for including spyware and adware.

File-sharing programs used to trade music, free games, screen savers, and even smiley face packages can all contain adware.

A good rule of thumb is any product that claims to be free, is likely to contain spyware and adware. These programs usually generate revenue from pop up ads or can even hijack your browser to take you to web sites you did not request.

Here is another tip to prevent spyware from being downloaded without your knowledge. When you close a window on the Internet never click on a box that says "agree" or "OK." Instead, click on the "x" located in the upper right corner of the window. Some programs trick you into agreeing to download software that you have never seen when you click on these.

Install Spyware Protection Software

Spyware protection software is the easiest way to automatically remove and prevent spyware from infecting your computer. You might have used a free spyware cleaner and wonder why you would need to purchase spyware protection software.

Free spyware cleaners are good programs to get rid of spyware viruses you already have on your computer now. But many spyware programs automatically reinstall themselves even after they are removed. For this reason free spyware cleaners are not a permanent solution to solve spyware and adware problems.

Spyware protection software is designed to find all hidden programs and disable them before they have a chance to work. It's important that you get this software installed immediately on your computer.

Once you remove spyware and adware programs from your computer you'll find it will run faster and your personal information will be much safer. These tips should give you some insight how to stop spyware and adware. Your security and peace of mind is worth spending a little time to prevent spyware and adware from getting into your computer and taking over. Read More......

Pharming is one of the latest online scams and rapidly growing threat that has been popping up lately on the Internet. It's another way for criminals to try to get into your computer so they can steal your personal data.

Phishing and pharming are related online scams but pharming is much more sophisticated. Phishing scams involve sending you bogus e-mails that appear to be from a bank or another online business.

The criminal wants you to click on an e-mail link that takes you to a web site that looks authentic.

They want you to enter your password and account number. Once they get your sensitive personal data they help themselves to your money.

The new pharming scam is similar to phishing scams but with a new twist. The pharming scam works by redirecting your Internet browser.

A computer user types in a legitimate website address into a web browser but is redirected without their knowledge to a bogus site that looks identical to the genuine site.

Once a user logs in with their login name and password, the information is immediately captured by the con artist. The real danger of the new pharming scam is that you no longer have to click an email link for your personal information to be stolen.

To avoid becoming a new victim of the new pharming scam here is a list of recommendations that you can use.

Always use a secure website when you submit credit card or other sensitive information via your Web browser. The beginning of the Web address in your browsers address bar should be "https://" rather than just "http://"

Log into your online accounts on a regular basis. Check your bank, credit and debit card statements to ensure that all transactions are legitimate. If anything is suspicious, contact your bank and all card issuers immediately.

Regularly check that your browser is up to date and new security patches are applied. Go to the Microsoft Security home page at http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx The best recommendation that will make it easy to stay updated is click on the "Get updates for Windows automatically" link.

Always report an entire original phishing email with its original header information intact to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov . Then, notify the Internet Fraud Complaint Center of the FBI by filing a complaint at FTC - File Complaint

New security measures must continually be added to the Internet as criminals probe for any weakness they can capitalize on. It's important to be aware of the latest online pharming scam to avoid becoming a victim of this new threat. Read More......

Pharming is one of the latest online scams and rapidly growing threat that has been popping up lately on the Internet. It's another way for criminals to try to get into your computer so they can steal your personal data.

Phishing and pharming are related online scams but pharming is much more sophisticated. Phishing scams involve sending you bogus e-mails that appear to be from a bank or another online business.

The criminal wants you to click on an e-mail link that takes you to a web site that looks authentic.

They want you to enter your password and account number. Once they get your sensitive personal data they help themselves to your money.

The new pharming scam is similar to phishing scams but with a new twist. The pharming scam works by redirecting your Internet browser.

A computer user types in a legitimate website address into a web browser but is redirected without their knowledge to a bogus site that looks identical to the genuine site.

Once a user logs in with their login name and password, the information is immediately captured by the con artist. The real danger of the new pharming scam is that you no longer have to click an email link for your personal information to be stolen.

To avoid becoming a new victim of the new pharming scam here is a list of recommendations that you can use.

Always use a secure website when you submit credit card or other sensitive information via your Web browser. The beginning of the Web address in your browsers address bar should be "https://" rather than just "http://"

Log into your online accounts on a regular basis. Check your bank, credit and debit card statements to ensure that all transactions are legitimate. If anything is suspicious, contact your bank and all card issuers immediately.

Regularly check that your browser is up to date and new security patches are applied. Go to the Microsoft Security home page at http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx The best recommendation that will make it easy to stay updated is click on the "Get updates for Windows automatically" link.

Always report an entire original phishing email with its original header information intact to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov . Then, notify the Internet Fraud Complaint Center of the FBI by filing a complaint at FTC - File Complaint

New security measures must continually be added to the Internet as criminals probe for any weakness they can capitalize on. It's important to be aware of the latest online pharming scam to avoid becoming a victim of this new threat. Read More......

One of the most important things you can do for your PC right now is to install adware and spyware blockers. Most everyone is aware of computer viruses and run an anti-virus program to protect against them.

But only a fraction of these users are running any kind of adware and spyware blockers software. It is believed that 90% of today's PCs are infected with some form of adware and spyware. Most of the time users are unaware that they are even infected.

Adware and Spyware are less noticeable than a virus but can be much greater danger to your PC.

So what is the danger posed without removing spyware from computers and how do you block spyware and adware on your PC?

Spyware and adware are files that hide in your computer and are loaded down as you browse the Internet. Common carriers include pop up ads, shareware, freeware and instant messaging. However, there are less common ways to become infected.

Some computers contain adware and shareware files even before you purchase them. Because of this fighting spyware and adware and removing spyware from computers is becoming even harder today.

If your PC becomes infected, the results range from minor nuisances such as pop up ads to more serious threats including identity theft.

Spyware and Adware has become such an epidemic that it is the latest target of NY Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. "Spyware and adware are more than an annoyance," Spitzer said in the statement. "These fraudulent programs foul machines, undermine productivity and in many cases frustrate consumers' efforts to remove them from their computers. These issues can serve to be a hindrance to the growth of e-commerce."

There are many programs that you can download to block adware and spyware from infecting your PC. Protect your privacy, and get the right Internet privacy tools installed on your computer immediately.

You need to install adware and spyware blockers now so you can enjoy the Internet without the hidden dangers. Read More......