Everyday we are hearing more and more about identity theft, fraud and vandal hackers. Websites that have malicious scripts in them can install viruses, spyware, and adware on your computer without you even knowing it. You never really know who or what is actually behind any particular website that you are viewing and we recommend taking a few easy steps to make your surfing experiences smoother and more secure.

Virus Protection

This is, without a doubt, the most important kind of software you should install. Make sure you keep your virus definitions updated at all times. The key word here is UPDATED! Outdated virus definitions do little good at all. Some viruses actually do more damage if you are infected first and then try to install an anti-virus program. They explode like a bomb and start eating your vital memory resources and can lead to data loss. The point is, be proactive, not reactive when it comes to virus protection.

You can download the free anti-virus program, Grisoft

http://www.grisoft.com/promo/stay-protected-isw-free75cnv/

Grisoft is actually a very nice program, and does provide partial protection, but your virus protection software is not a good place to cut corners, so I recommend something more powerful.

Of course the leaders by far in terms of name recognition are:

Symantec - http://www.symantec.com/index.htm

McAfee - http://www.mcafee.com/us/

...and they definitely charge accordingly for their software.

Two less expensive alternatives that are nearly as good and will keep you well protected against harmful viruses are:

Anti Virus Protector - http://roidetect.novirus01.hop.clickbank.net/

Micro Anti Virus - http://roidetect.microa.hop.clickbank.net/

Anti-Spyware

There isn't 'one' software program that can provide you with 100%

protection, so a 'layered' approach is the best strategy.

To create layered virus protection, you should be running a stand alone anti-spyware program on your computer. You can find out about free anti-spyware programs at:

http://www.computersplus.biz/spyware.htm

In my opinion, Perhaps the best anti-spyware software ever developed is XoftSpySE. You can download a copy and get a free scan of your computer here:

XoftSpySE - http://roidetect.xoftspyse.hop.clickbank.net/

Password Managers

It is a very good idea to use a password manager so that you are not using your keyboard to type your passwords in when you login to your programs and payment processor accounts. Hackers have developed programs they maliciously place on your computer without your knowledge that can track your keystrokes. This is a real threat.

That's why it's important to use a password manager that automatically enters your ID and password information as soon as the respective login page appears. Your have essentially three choices; (1) keep a copy of all your secure info on a text document and use the copy and paste feature to login; (2) use the password management feature of your internet browser; or (3) purchase a 3rd party password management program.

The best strategy is #3. Using a 3rd party password manager for all of your important information should stop hackers dead in their tracks.

The best password manager on the market is, without a doubt:

RoboForm - http://www.roboform.com/

NEVER use your email or payment processor passwords for other things.

ALWAYS make your email and payment processor passwords difficult.

Web Browser

In my judgment, due to chronic security issues, Internet Explorer has proven not to be the best choice for surfing in general and surfing traffic exchanges in particular.

Mozilla FireFox with the NoScript extension installed is a much sharper sword when it comes to keeping your data safe.

NoScript will not allow any scripts to run on your browser unless you specifically give permission. Only allow scripts to run from websites and programs that you trust.

FireFox - http://www.mozilla.com

Firefox NoScript - https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/

If your budget allows it, there is an all-in-one solution that may be to your liking. I recommend you use Invisus, an powerful and innovative security management program that gives Norton and Mcafee a run for their money.

Invisus - http://www.invisus.com/

Summary

The combination of virus protection overlapped with spyware software using the Mozilla Firefox browser and NoScript extension combined with the use of a password manager will make your internet surfing as trouble free and secure as possible.