What is spyware and how do I stop it?

Spyware is software that can collect personal information, bombard your computer with advertising (adware), or change the configuration of your computer settings, normally without your permission. Spyware can often install itself undetected and can cause your computer to slow down or crash.

Watch out for:

• opening email attachments from people that you don't know or that look suspicious
• opening email attachments that end in .exe, .bat, or .com
• clicking on an Internet Explorer popup that says you are infected
• downloading from illegal sites or P2P networks like Kazaa and others
• links that are sent to you from instant messaging programs

Be sure that you:

1. Use an antivirus or antispyware software on your PC. It can save you a lot of time and money.
2. Use a firewall, either the built-in Windows firewall or a firewall like Zone Labs.
3. Run updates for Windows, Java, and all other applications you run that get updates as soon as you're notified to do so.
4. Always read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements before you install any software on your pc.
5. Make sure that your antivirus or antispyware software, and firewall are always up to date.

So you may ask now, which antivirus or antispyware do I choose? With a vast variety to select from, our IT Specialists have done some research and chosen a couple that we prefer to us such as Trend Micro and AVG. If you would like more information on choosing one of these or any other antivirus or antispyware software for your computer(s), call and speak to one of our IT Specialists who will be more than happy to assist you.