By Alexander Bryden:
Spyware has been in most of the talks in the internet when it comes to computer security. Spyware, unlike worms, does not replicate; however, it serves another purpose. Just like other infections, this software might go unnoticed in your PC with little or no evidence at all. One sign of having been infected by spyware is the unwanted pop-up spams on your PC. Many people get this from the software they download or simply by browsing through an infected site. The threat of pop-ups is just the frontline.
Working deep within the computer, the spyware does its most notorious job - collecting personal information about the user. Information gathered by this software is sent somewhere in the web and is used for cyber crimes. Before you get to an even worse situation, it is good to start preventing further damage done by spyware by following the steps laid below.
Prevention Tips:
1 Parental Controls
If you have children using the PC, it is highly likely that you'd get infected by spyware. Most users, including some adults, don't realize the threat of browsing unsecured sites, which lead to spyware infections. One good way to prevent them from making dangerous searches, sites and downloads, is to set the parental controls of your PC. This saves you from always reminding the users not to go to unwanted places in the internet. Parental controls filter what can be accessed by the users.
2 Bad Websites
Never ever visit sites that are known to be a breeding ground for malicious software (spyware, adwares, viruses, etc.) like porn and adult sites. They are not only dangerous to your PC but also to children using the PC. Web browsers, such as Google Chrome, have a built-in scanner which notify you as to which sites in the search results are secured and which are not.
3 Pop-up Advertisements
Most sites have pop-ups presented either within the same tab or on another window. This somehow-annoying stuff that blocks the content you want may be a source of spyware. Clicking on them may infect your PC with unwanted spyware which can continuously bug you using its own pop-up adverts. When closing pop-ups, make sure you click the correct 'X' to avoid getting infected.
4 Email Attachments
Don't open email attachments from some unknown sender. It is highly likely that the attachment will infect your PC with spyware. This is one of the widespread operations of some cyber criminals. Their goal is to invade your personal privacy. You must also be cautious with attachments from friends since they may also not be safe. If the attachment is a text, just ask them to place it in the message body. If it's a picture, upload it to a picture sharing site and download it from there.
5 File Sharing Sites
This is also one of the biggest sources of spyware, viruses and many more. Before downloading anything from these sites, be sure to read the most recent comments about the software you are downloading because previous victims help others by warning them before they get infected. However, be extra careful even if the comments are positive.
6 Antivirus Software
The last and one of the most effective is to install a strong antivirus. There are many free antiviruses that eliminate not only spyware but also viruses and other malicious software. Also make sure that you regularly update them for better spyware protection.
Here you have the tips that will ensure you that your PC is safe from spyware and other threats that you may encounter in the digital world.
Prevention Tips:
1 Parental Controls
If you have children using the PC, it is highly likely that you'd get infected by spyware. Most users, including some adults, don't realize the threat of browsing unsecured sites, which lead to spyware infections. One good way to prevent them from making dangerous searches, sites and downloads, is to set the parental controls of your PC. This saves you from always reminding the users not to go to unwanted places in the internet. Parental controls filter what can be accessed by the users.
2 Bad Websites
Never ever visit sites that are known to be a breeding ground for malicious software (spyware, adwares, viruses, etc.) like porn and adult sites. They are not only dangerous to your PC but also to children using the PC. Web browsers, such as Google Chrome, have a built-in scanner which notify you as to which sites in the search results are secured and which are not.
3 Pop-up Advertisements
Most sites have pop-ups presented either within the same tab or on another window. This somehow-annoying stuff that blocks the content you want may be a source of spyware. Clicking on them may infect your PC with unwanted spyware which can continuously bug you using its own pop-up adverts. When closing pop-ups, make sure you click the correct 'X' to avoid getting infected.
4 Email Attachments
Don't open email attachments from some unknown sender. It is highly likely that the attachment will infect your PC with spyware. This is one of the widespread operations of some cyber criminals. Their goal is to invade your personal privacy. You must also be cautious with attachments from friends since they may also not be safe. If the attachment is a text, just ask them to place it in the message body. If it's a picture, upload it to a picture sharing site and download it from there.
5 File Sharing Sites
This is also one of the biggest sources of spyware, viruses and many more. Before downloading anything from these sites, be sure to read the most recent comments about the software you are downloading because previous victims help others by warning them before they get infected. However, be extra careful even if the comments are positive.
6 Antivirus Software
The last and one of the most effective is to install a strong antivirus. There are many free antiviruses that eliminate not only spyware but also viruses and other malicious software. Also make sure that you regularly update them for better spyware protection.
Here you have the tips that will ensure you that your PC is safe from spyware and other threats that you may encounter in the digital world.
I'm an antivirus reviews writer working for WEB Antivirus CO and http://www.free-antivirus.co
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Bryden 
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