Getting proactive

Prevention has a big part to play in the fight against spyware. In this final part of our guide we'll suggest some good practices and related software to help you prevent spyware from ever reaching your PC.

Use a firewall

By using a firewall you can stop spyware from relaying any information it has gathered back to third parties. Although you may still be infected, you can help protect your privacy by putting a firewall into play. As an added bonus, a firewall can also prevent everyday crackers and intruders from accessing your machine.

Webroot Desktop Firewall
This product is very easy to set up and offers great two-way protection. It keeps your data safe while also keeping hackers out! It acts as a data gatekeeper for your PC and monitors which Internet traffic is allowed in and out. You determine which programs on your PC can access the Internet. read more »

Ditch Internet Explorer - A safe browser is a good browser.

Ideally, your browser security settings should be high enough to protect you from any unwanted file installations while browsing the net. Due to its popularity, poor default settings and large number of serious security exploits, Internet Explorer is the target of many unscrupulous programs and opens your computer up to a number of attacks that other browsers do not. If you're using Internet Explorer, we suggest you consider an alternative.

No matter what browser you use, keep a close eye on where your downloads come from and try to stick to the more reputable download websites.

Mozilla Firefox5 Star Pick
This free browser has it all: pop-up blocking, advanced privacy and security, tabbed browsing, live bookmarks for RSS feeds and much more. You'll be hard pushed to find a better browser than this one. Making the switch from Internet Explorer to Firefox is easy! read more »

Beware of spyware. If you can, use the Firefox browser. -USA Today

Free software, be careful

You need to keep an eye on where downloads come from and stick to the more reputable download websites. Not all free software participate in the spreading of spyware, but it's known that free software is the number one culprit for spyware infections. Make sure you read all documentation and license agreements before installing any freeware.

Beware of the cookie monster!

Yes, cookies may add convenience and speed up your browsing, but be careful as they can also track your online activity and can relay this information back to third parties and advertisers without your knowledge. If your browser allows it (Firefox does), set it to allow cookies from "the originating website only" or "only from sites that I surf to".

Get rid of spam

Spam emails often carry spyware. Make sure you delete any emails from unknown senders and remain wary of any attachments. It is a good idea to use an email client that has advanced junk mail controls such as Mozilla's Thunderbird which includes an adaptive filter that learns what you deem spam and moves those emails to a junk folder. Alternatively, you can use a standalone spam killing utility that will work along side your current email client.

Mozilla Thunderbird - A safe email client replacement5 Star Pick
This free email client includes some great spam busting features such as its adaptive junk mail detection tool. This tool can be trained to analyze the contents of incoming mail and identifies those most likely to be spam. This is an extremely effective tool for detecting junk mail. Above all else, Thunderbird is an attactive, easy to use and all around great email client. read more »

Spam Monitor - Spam monitor for your current email client
This one works alongside most email clients (Outlook Express, Incredimail, Eudora, Netscape, etc.) blocking and filtering spam. It runs in the system tray waiting for spam to rear its ugly head. When it does, it springs into action detecting and isolating it for further inspection. This software is also very easy to use and is automatically integrated into your email client upon installation. read more »

Mind where you surf

Try to keep away from unscrupulous websites such as those that promote pirated software and adult material. These sites are known for their participation in spreading spyware.

File sharing software

You need to keep two things in mind when installing file sharing software. The first is that many sharing programs include spyware in their own installation. The second is that you can never be sure that what you are downloading is spyware free. You have been warned!

Conclusion

Spyware is a huge threat to our privacy and security. It makes the Internet seem like a very dangerous place when really, the majority of website owners and software developers hate it just as much as you do! You can easily protect yourself from these few rotten apples by understanding spyware, using good software and a bit of common sense.

If you've read and followed our guide through you should be more than ready to put up a fight and protect yourself from infection. Let's face it, when it comes to your security on the web, there's no higher priority. Happy downloading!