Common ways a computer becomes infected:

One of the most common ways for a computer to become infected with spyware or viruses is by visiting less than reputable sites that are running malicious scripts that are automatically downloaded to your computer when the site is visited.

Pop-Ups, Active X and Java

To the average user, you wouldn't even notice these programs being downloaded to your computer. This it why it is recommended that you use a web browser such as Mozilla Firefox in place of Internet Explorer (IE) or the AOL browser (which uses IE to run). Internet Explorer has many known security flaws, which are widely exploited by makers of spyware and viruses. Mozilla Firefox helps address this issue by using rules on what types of content are downloaded to your computer.

Mozilla Firefox can be downloaded from here.

The image above displays what you will see when Firefox detects a site that is trying to display a popup, or program script such as Active X and Java. By clicking on the yellow bar, you be given the option of allowing or denying the popup. As you can see, even CNN doesn't get special treatment until you say so. Firefox helps protect against the execution of unwanted scripts (programs) on your computer.

Even with Firefox you can still be vulnerable to malicious software. Probably the best practice that you could take when using the internet is to be cautious of sites that display lots of advertisements and pop-ups.

You should always use your better judgment when visiting sites that you have never heard of before.

Think of it just the same as if you wandered into a bad part of town were you might not be able to trust anyone. There are websites that want your money (adware), those that want to have your information so they can sell it to the people who want your money and those that get a kick out of causing you a bit of pain and frustration by messing up your life.

Anti-Virus and SpyWare Detection Software

One of the best forms of protection you can have on your computer is to have good, up to date antivirus software. Viruses are constantly changing and this make it important to have the proper tools to detect a virus before it takes hold of your system.

An excellent anti-virus program is AVG antivirus by GriSoft. There are many other popular anti-virus programs out there that will do the job, but the reason I recommend AVG is the improved performance, ease of use, support and “bang for the buck” that isn't found in some of the more popular programs from the likes of Norton and McAfee.

Whenever you download a program on to your computer that you are unsure of, you should always perform a virus scan on it. This can easily be done with most antivirus programs by “right-clicking” on the file and selecting “scan for viruses.”

One of the major misconceptions that have come up recently is that services such as anti-virus and spyware protection from ISP's like Comcast, AOL and Earthlink are adequate protection for your system. While these systems do work, they offer very little protection for your system.

In addition to good anti-virus software, you should also use Adaware by LavaSoft and Spybot Search & Destroy. These are the two most popular programs for the removal of malicious software. Make a habit of running scans with “BOTH” of these programs at least every month or whenever you notice a change in your computers performance. The reason for running both programs is that they both look for problems differently and will give different results.

How do you get Viruses and Spyware?

Viruses and spyware are spread in a few different ways. They can be spread by visiting a webpage with Active X or Java as talked about earlier, and even by emails (usually spam) that look like a webpage.

In your email program, you should disable any kind of “auto preview “for emails to prevent any scripts from running without you knowing it. Many emails use the same technologies as web pages now.

One of the ways many computers become infected is by sharing files with people through instant messaging (ICQ, MIRC, AIM, MSN Messenger etc.) and peer to peer programs (Kazaa, Bearshare, 360 Share, LimeWire, BitTorrent, etc.)

Besides the fact that most files shared on peer to peer networks are illegal, a very high percentage of these files are infected with viruses. Another security issue is when people share their entire hard drive on these networks. There was an incident that comes to mind where a government official was unknowingly sharing his entire drive's contents with LimeWire and very sensitive classified documents were leaked on the internet.

Most virus infections that we come across are on PC's where file sharing programs are being used.

Another common way to get spyware and viruses is from downloading games off the internet. Many have spyware or adware packaged with them. WildTangent is a good example.

WildTangent pays game developers to package their “spyware” with there games and offer a distribution service for their software. Even though it's “free” to play the game, they are still making money off of you.

If you want to download games, go to a site such as File Planet or Game Spot. You can be sure that any game listed on these sites are reputable and have been tested before they are listed on these sites.

As far as gambling software is concerned, I would just suggest that you avoid it at all costs. The people that run these operations are just out to make a buck any way they can. Do you really want to give these strangers your personal information?

As the saying goes…

“There's a sucker born every minute...and two to take 'em."

You should also avoid installing any kind of search toolbar you are unfamiliar with (Google search, and Yahoo search toolbar are safe.) Many track your searching habits and visited websites.

Types of Web Sites to Avoid

Here is a brief list of types of sites that could expose your computer to infection.

• Adult/Gambling/Pharmaceutical
• Illegal Software
• Illegal Music
• Free Games

Summary

As in every day life, you should choose who you associate with when using your computer. Not everybody out there is as honest as you are.