6.6  Preventing Future Spyware Infections

You know the value of having a spyware removal program on your computer because it removes spyware. Some of them even do an adequate job of preventing infections.

The top spyware removers like Max Spyware Detector and others do have real time process scanning and home page protection to prevent your default browser page from changing.

They also have active cookie protection to help keep the number of cookies on your computer to a minimum, but they still are improving in this area as it is a relatively new advance in spyware removal technology. 

In a continual effort to protect your computer, there are several things you can do to tighten up the security of your PC and web browser to help defend against spyware attacks.

1.    Secure Your Browser Settings: The default settings for Internet Explorer can let some spyware through. 

2.    Use a Firewall:  Windows XP comes with a basic firewall or for even more protection. Download Zone Alarms free personal firewall.

3.   Change Web Browsers Completely: Internet Explorer has some security issues and because it is the most widely use web browser, it is also the target of most spyware creators. Try using the Mozilla Firefox web browser. It’s free, more secure, and is overall a better web browser than Internet Explorer.  

4.   Occasionally Monitor the Programs Installed on Your PC:  Use the Add/Remove Programs control panel to see if any strange programs or toolbars have been installed.  

5.   Check Your Startup Programs For Any Strange Entries: Some spyware places itself in your startup folder to execute certain programs and services every time your computer is started up.  

6. Keep Your Software Up To Date: Keep all your software up to date. This includes your anti-spyware and adware programs, Windows, anti-virus and firewall protection. Daily is best, but at least update two or three times a week. If you can set up your program to be updated automatically, do so. Not having regular updates increases your risk of being infected by viruses or spyware in the future.

Taking these small steps can help you to keep your computer spyware and adware free to some degree, but should not be relied upon as the sole means of protecting yourself, as many of the latest threats are able to evade detection and leave no obvious traces.  They don’t appear as icons on your desktop or in your list of installed programs. 

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