Spyware is a bigger threat to your computer's well-being than viruses. Whilst most viruses are developed by kiddies just for kudos and fun, spyware is created by big business or organized crime. Their aim is to make money, so they can afford to spend some on development. The level of technical sophistication involved in spyware is far greater than that of viruses. Which makes spyware harder to avoid, and harder to get rid of once you have got it.



The best way to deal with spyware is not to get it in the first place. This isn’t as hard as it sounds. Reputable software doesn’t carry spyware, and nor do reputable websites. Your friends won’t send you spyware. So the trick is not to open unsolicited emails, to keep away from dubious websites and never download anything from a site you don’t know you can trust.

Be careful

Steer clear of “adult” web sites. These sites often carry images and script code that exploit the latest browser security holes. One quick look is all it takes to get infected by spyware. Never click on pop-ups, just close them.

Never download or use cracks or keygens to get free usage of commercial software. Quite apart from the fact that it is illegal, most of these cracks and keygens are loaded with spyware. Some crack sites carry security exploits, too, so again you can pick up something nasty just by looking to see what’s available.

Avoid peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs. Some of these programs contain spyware. Even when they don’t, much of the content you download is infected by malware - either viruses or spyware.

Be careful with internet messaging (IM). If someone sends you a link to download something and you weren’t expecting it, be suspicious, and ask if they really did send it.

Don’t open unsolicited email (spam) if you can avoid it, and never, ever open unsolicited attachments from anyone. If you aren’t sure why your friend just sent you a file with a cryptic message, send a quick reply to find out if they really did send it.

If the email purports to be telling you about a critical security update you should immediately download, it’s definitely malicious. Neither Microsoft nor any security software company uses email as a way to alert users about updates.

The same applies to email from your bank or credit card company, or sites like eBay and PayPal. Never click on a link to a secure site in an email. Instead, open the site in your browser the way you normally would, and login the way you normally do.

Avoid legal spyware

Spyware is not always illegal. It is regarded as a legitimate activity by some firms. Beware of free software. Adware companies pay software developers to include it with their products, so many free programs include adware as a way for the programmer to earn some money.

To avoid getting something you would rather not have, read the End User License Agreement (EULA) of any software you download, before you install it. If it contains anything about you agreeing to provide information, or agreeing to receive ads, the application probably includes adware or spyware. And it can be hard to remove the adware, even when you uninstall the software it came with.

Stay up to date

Keep your computer operating system and security software up to date to maximize its protection from malware. Stay up to date with critical updates and security patches. Once a vulnerability is identified, it’s a race between the malware developers to create an exploit, and Microsoft to develop a patch, test it and release it. The longer you leave it before installing the update, the greater the risk that your computer could be compromised.

Use a good anti-virus, a good anti-spyware and a good firewall. Surprisingly, “good” doesn’t necessarily mean a product from a well-known brand name. Visit a trusted software supplier, website or security forum and see what is recommended.

Stay safe

Most security exploits are designed to work specifically with Internet Explorer. Use a different browser such as Firefox or Opera for everyday web surfing and if you do happen to visit a site containing an exploit, you’ll be less likely to be affected by it.

These security tips really do work. I have been following them for years and I have never had a computer infected by spyware, adware or malware.