Viruses and Spyware - Why Do I Keep Getting Infected?

Internet Security Tips for the Home User-Part 1

If I have installed antivirus and antispyware software, have kept Windows updated and have a firewall, why do I still get computer infections?

This is a question that has riddled both antivirus companies and computer users since the beginning of high-speed internet use. This article outlines the two main methods hackers use to infect a home user?s computer.

First, let?s discuss the two main aspects of this problem that typical security software has the most difficult time overcoming: reverse engineering and social engineering.

Hackers will often reverse engineer security software to figure out how it detects spyware threats. This means, they study the means of detection, so they can devise methods of getting around your antivirus software the next time. Reverse engineering has long been used by hackers and many reverse engineered threats can be eliminated by keeping your antivirus software updated and upgraded on a constant basis.

Hackers have figured out an even easier way to gain access to your computer, however. They use social engineering to exploit the human user.

The most common methods of social engineering are:

* Cleverly crafted fraudulent emails

* Email attachments that pretend to be items of great importance

* Free offers that have hidden programs in them

* Web sites that silently try to sneak software onto your machine, when you click on a link.

Of all the computers on the Internet, a normal household computer attached to a high-speed connection is the most targeted. If you have ?screen-agers? (tech-savvy teens) you are in a very high risk group for viruses and spyware. Screen-agers are not afraid of anything and will click on, download or visit any Web site, especially if they think they are getting something for nothing.

Teens are the primary users of file swapping software (Limewire, KaZaa, BitTorrent, etc.), frequent visitors to crack sites (to avoid paying for software) and live on social network sites, (i.e. Myspace.com, Facebook.com) which are all targeted by the bad guys.

Residential computers tend to have a much greater level of virus and spyware infections, primarily because of the way they are used.

Hackers understand their victims and always go after the weakest ones. In this case, it?s the average residential user.

If you are using all of the right software and updates to protect your computer, and still getting infected, it is highly likely it is do to a ?liveware? problem, meaning someone using your computer is engaging in risky internet surfing and/or loading or downloading software that has hidden code in it.

If you can stop this behavior, you can stop the infections. Any seasoned computer person can take a look at the programs you have installed and determine if you have a user abuse problem.

Coming soon:Internet Security Tips for the Home User-Part 2-"Myspace, Facebook and Windows Live Spaces-5 Safety Tips For Parents"

Jason Dick is an Internet Security Specialist. Mr. Dick is a Tier-3 certified antivirus technician with extensive experience creating customized antivirus solutions for new and resistant spyware and virus infections. In addition, he has spent several years consulting with the average home computer user helping them get the most from their Internet Security Software. He is currently writing a series of articles entitled "Internet Security Tips for the Home User" to share his knowledge and expertise.To follow Jason's entire series and read a multitude of other exciting and up-to-date articles on Internet Security visit: http://home.stopsign.com