Keep Your Computer Safe :: Spyware on the Rise

The Register-Guard (Oregon) reports that infections of spyware and malware (malicious spyware) are on the rise. The article provides a good overview of the problem, but the most useful part may be the list of suggestions at the end of article from the Federal Trade Commission:

Signs that indicate your computer is infected

• A barrage of pop-up ads
• A hijacked browser
• A sudden or repeated change in your home page
• New and unexpected toolbars
• New and unexpected icons on your computer screen
• Keys that don't work
• Random error messages
• Sluggish or downright slow performance

Tips on how to keep spyware off your hard drive

• Update your operating system and browser: Your OS may offer free software "patches" to fix vulnerabilities that spyware exploits.
• Download only from trusted sites: Beware that some "free" software applications, such as games and file-sharing programs, come bundled with other software, including spyware.
• Don't install any software without knowing what it is: Read the small-print user agreement before downloading. If it's hard to find or understand, think twice about installing it.
• Minimize "drive-by" downloads: Make sure your browser security setting is high enough to stop unauthorized downloads, at least the "medium" setting on Internet Explorer.
• Don't click on links in pop-ups: It could install spyware on your computer. Instead, close pop-up windows by clicking on the "X" icon in the title bar.
• Don't click on links in spam offering anti-spyware downloads: Some software offered in spam actually installs spyware.
• Install a firewall and trusted anti-spyware program: Two widely used spyware programs are Spybot (www.safer-networking.org) and Ad-Aware (www.lavasoftusa.com).