Spyware is becoming the worst threat on the internet, with offending programs becoming more and more widespread. Also known as malware, these programs are invasive and some have the ability to steal personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Here are three ways to protect yourself.

1.) Stay away from file sharing programs. Programs like Kazaa, Limewire, and Bearshare are notorious for installing multitudes of spyware programs on users computers. The top offender is Kazaa, which carries with it multiple malware programs that could potentially put the user at risk for serious security breaches.

2.) Download and use Firefox. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer is known to be full of security holes. Since Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser, cyber criminal programmers aim directly at IE’s security holes. Internet Explorer also shares an intimate connection with the Windows operating system, allowing renegade software to significantly disrupt the computer. Many savvy computer users are turning to alternative browsers such as Mozilla’s Firefox. Firefox is known to be much more secure than Internet Explorer. Also, since it is also less widely used, cyber-criminals do not tend to focus on trying to exploit it.

3.) Install a spyware removal program. This is an extremely important step. Without a reputable anti-spyware program, malware can sit on your computer undetected. Computer Virus software like Norton and Symantec are not presently geared for these programs, and consistently miss them during system scans. After a while these insidious programs build up, and can create a sluggish system, and even steal personal information such as passwords and credit card information. Because of the explosion in spyware and malware over the past 12 months, it is important to purchase a reputable removal program that has continued support and updates. It is prudent to stay away from “free” programs as these can miss spyware and are often “rogue” programs that install their own malware in order to goad users into paying for a useless program.

By: Cynthia Blake

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