Malware, spyware, adware - they are all still major problems. As soon as software to “disarm” the creeps is developed, the malware creators are on to their next scheme. It’s hard for us to keep up. I visited a site known as Spyware Warrior - they are the best source for security information I’ve ever seen. I spent some time there gathering tidbits of priceless facts to share with you now.
Here are my notes in no particular order:
1. If you don’t use my website, Websites to Avoid, or Firefox’s WOT, or McAfee’s SiteAdvisor, you can always test a site you’re interested in by entering its URL into your search engine’s address line with ‘adware’ and/or ‘spy ware’ typed in also. The results will give you clues as to whether or not it is safe to visit.
2. A lot of creeps offer so-called anti-spyware tools. To see a list of BAD anti-spyware or anti-adware software, check out this list.
3. Contrarily, to see a list of Trustworthy anti-spyware products, click this link.
4. The following are highly recommended anti-spyware scanners and/or removers:
- Ad-Aware
- AVG
- Pest Patrol
- Spysweeper
- Spyware Doctor
- Superantispyware
- Windows Defender
- Spybot Search & Destroy
- Agnitum Outpost Firewall Protection
- F-Secure
- Kaspersky
- Norton
- NOD32
- Panda Titanium & Platinum
- Zone Alarm Pro
- Trend Micro PC-cillin
NOTE: I, personally, use Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy, AVG anti-virus, Spyware Guard, Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, HiJack This, and Windows Malicious Software Removal. I have tried several others over the years and have settled on these out of personal preference, ease of use, and ease of understanding, not to mention their efficiency and reliability.6. For extra preventative protection:
7. Everyone knows Internet Explorer is the browser most often invaded. It is recommended that you use another browser when possible.
8. Even if you are using a different browser, you must “lock down” Internet Explorer anyway. “Enough is Enough” will automatically configure IE for you ad set up Trusted sites. Likewise, SpyAd will automatically configure Restricted sites.
9. If you ever see a notice appear saying you need to install a “plug-in” in order to get that website or that game to run properly, DON’T do it! Nine times out of ten, it’s a trick!
10. Human nature attracts us to ‘free’ stuff, like software. That’s how they get us! Here are some safe sites from which to get free software:
11. NEVER click a “Sponsored Link” These are usually found on a search results page at the top or in the sidebar.
12. Especially for MySpace, Facebook, or other social websites’ users, NEVER go to a site with “Pimp” in its name!
13. The resources for this post were found at SpywareWarrior.com and Vitalsecurity.org.
I see you put some of my suggestions, thanks.
ReplyDeleteVital Security servers have been down since October, you can read from one of their employee's website. He does a great job fighting wannabe hackers who think they are the smarter and has blogged about many of exploits. Is one of the few to alert and egged Myspace to fix their many security break downs, especially peoples hacked pages. But unfortunately all was lossed when the servers went kaput and some of his other websites were not renewed and now are dead. He also has not updated his Myspace blog in quite some time.
http://www.paperghost.com/
Some of his friends blogs.
http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/
http://blog.spywareguide.com
http://blog.trendmicro.com/
http://www.securitypronews.com