Spyware

June 1, 2004

I'm taking a bit of time off, so please don't break anything until after June 6th, ok? If you do, just turn your computer off and go camping!

Many of you have heeded my advice and have begun to use Spybot Search and Destroy to keep your systems clean of spyware. Take note: they just release version 1.3 this past week, so if you installed Spybot Search and Destroy more than a week or so ago, you will need to download the newest version and install it, this version is far more powerful. Don't put it off, just go do it. If you aren't sure, then go into Spybot Search and Destroy and go to Help, About, and check your version number.

No, you cannot just "Check for Updates", that won't update your program, it only updates the scan files.

Combatting malware of all types is almost turning into a full-time job. Since so many of you ask me, here is what I recommend for your defense strategy:

Install EZ-Antivirus. (Or another anti-virus product.) Keep it updated every day.

Turn on the XP firewall, or install a free software firewall product, such as ZoneAlarm, if you aren't running XP and don't have a hardware firewall.

Run AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy monthly, or if you have teenagers, weekly or even daily!

Run the online virus scan at Trend Micro whenever your system is acting strangely, and continues to act strange after cleaning with Spybot Search and Destroy and AdAware. Trend Micro's online virus scan will pick up some of the trojans (malware) that AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy miss. Most antivirus products are not yet checking for the full range of malware.

Be sure to use the Immunize feature in Spybot Search and Destroy, as that will prevent many of these rascals from getting in again.

Most of all, be careful of where you go on the internet, and where OTHERS go on your computer. You may have to threaten other users with the costs of fixing your system if they insist on visiting sites that push malware, or if they insist on downloading programs that bring malware with them!

Good luck, and have a wonderful summer! Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there too!

 This site maintained by The Computer Counselor