Spyware Fears: Research Shows 30 Per Cent Will Use Internet Less

It seems that the spyware threat has finally started sinking in for many computer users and according to a recent survey undertaken by Consumer Reports WebWatch, 30 per cent of computer users plan to use the Internet less as a result of the threats posed by Spyware.

But is this the correct response? Should people deal with Spyware by panicking and fleeing from the World Wide Web as they vow to use the Internet less? The question arises what quantity of use of the Internet will be safe? Two hours a day? One hour?

It is important to bear in mind that once spyware has lodged into your computer hard drive, only minutes are required for the damage to be done. So one might as well stay away completely from the web, which is hardly possible in this day and age. There is of course the argument that the less a computer is linked to the web, the less the chances of a serious spyware invasion. This is especially true with those using the old dial up link to connect to the Internet.

However the question arises, just how inconvenient will this be to you and your work? Why not take the easy solution and deal with spyware by removing all forms of malware from your PC and then putting up strong defenses against future possible attacks.

Actually there is no need to fear spyware, if one is adequately protected against possible attacks and infestations. You really do not need to abandon or reduce the use of the net?even if that were practical?just because of spyware, deadly as it is.

Learn how you can today get rid of spyware fear forever.

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

Protect Your Computer From Adware and Spyware

Are you annoying of adware and spyware every time you open any websites? They have now reached epidemic proportions. They are every where in the cyber world. Here are four methods to remove or simply avoid adware and spyware without spending a dime on the latest "anti-virus" software.

1. Do not use Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer is like Swiss cheese. It is open to the world by default. Microsoft is continually releasing patches to fix all the flaws in the Internet Explorer 6.X and lower versions of the browser. Although it can be "secured" by increasing the security it may loose much of its functionality once set to maximum security with certain exploitable features off.

2. It is highly recommended you should use Firefox. If you don't use the Internet much, than perhaps you don't know much about Firefox. All you need to know is that it is a browser that works REALLY well and has great security features.

3. Use a software or hardware firewall (not just Window XP Service Pack 2's firewall). This may sound expensive and hard to do but it is not. If you have a DSL or broadband cable connection your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may have given you a DSL/Cable router with a firewall built in. All you have to do is turn it on. This may require you to take a few minutes to read the manual. If your ISP did not give you a DSL or Cable broadband router with a built in firewall you can spend anywhere from $20 - $60 (or sometimes even cheaper with a mail-in rebate) to get a router. If you have DSL you will need a DSL router. If you have Cable broadband ISP you will need a Cable Router. Brands such as Linksys have built in firewalls and a feature called NAT, Network Address Translation, which is very effective since it hides your real IP address from the Internet. All routers come with instruction on how to hook them up. If you want to keep you computer security free, just use a free software firewall.

4. Remove spyware/adware with free anti-spyware, anti-adware software. Other two excellent methods of cleaning your system for free are Lavasoft's Adaware and Spybot Search & Destroy.

It is better to use all of the above methods. Being proactive by surfing with a decent browser and getting a firewall is important, but it also helps to know about a couple of good anti-adware/spyware applications. There are many great forums on the Internet dedicated to doing nothing but finding and cleaning such malware. Chances are if your system is infected with it, hundreds of others before you have been infected and have already figured out how to get rid of the malware.George Williams maintains many autocad websites, including Auto Cad Secrets, The Auto Cad Guide ,and Autocad Information Now.