Preventing MalWare

By Joshua Erdman
Digital Foundation, inc.

Preventing your computer from being Hijacked is almsot as easy as avoiding viruses. We all know that to protect yourself from Viruses you install an Anti-Virus program, keep the definitions up-to-date, and still avoid e-mail attatcments that you do not trust. For MalWare protection follow these simple steps:

Always, always, update Windows at least once every 2 weeks. I personally recommend checking every week to see if there is an update. This is best done by using Windows Update. For all Windows Operating Systems that can be found in Internet Explorer. On the toolbar section, click Tools, then Windows Update.
Second, install a pop-up blocker. These help prevent some of the nasty pop-up windows that try to trick you into installing spyware. If you have Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed you already have a built in pop-up blocker, if not, we recommend the Google toolbar.
Third install an Anti-Malware Program. These are usually free with a request for a small donation. We HIGHLY recommend that you install Spybot's Search and Destroy. It's key feature is immunization where it will configure your Internet Explorer to protect itself from a VERY large list of malware infectious websites. Refer to our article on Using Spybot S&D

Finally, ignore any email or pop-ups advertising spyware removal or saying your computer is insecure. DON'T click on the Yes/No buttons, as usually these both will try to get you to install the software. Instead, use either the X in the upper right corner, or the keystrokes: Alt-F4.

Visit Spybot's Website to download SpyBot Search and Destroy.

If your computer gets pop-up windows even when you are not actively browsing the Internet, your computer has been hijacked by MalWare and you need to read our article on Removing MalWare.

References:

Avoiding Pop-up Windows

AdAware - Spyware Removal Tool from Lavasoft

Search and Destroy - Spyware Removal Tool from SpyBot

Google Toolbar - Pop-Up Window Blocker

Article last reviewed: 03/21/2005

Created by: Digital Foundation, inc.

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