7 Ways to Protect Your Personal Computer from Spyware and Adware
- Install a Firewall
- Run Antivirus Software
- Install Anti-spyware Software
- Use Complex Pass Phrases
- Don’t Download Free Software
- Verify the Browser’s Security Settings
- Try Spyware and Adware Removal Services
No matter what type of computer or other device you haves (e.g., a smartphone or tablet), you need to protect it from spyware and adware.
These malicious types of programs can penetrate your data and files without you realizing it, resulting in the potential theft of your confidential information and the potential for identity theft and other serious problems as well.
Fortunately, you don’t need a degree in data science or data security to protect your devices from spyware and adware.
In fact, there are many protective measures you can handle yourself, right now, at home.
Install a Firewall
A firewall is the first line of defense from spyware and adware.
The purpose of a firewall is to block nefarious people from gaining access to your personal devices. The firewall does so by stopping communications to and from sources that you do not specifically permit.
This is possible because a firewall exists between your home computer or local network and the internet. Because it sits between those two entities, it controls what and who can access your local network.
But more than that, a firewall analyzes all the traffic that comes in and goes out. This means that it can be configured to look for specific kinds of incoming or outgoing traffic and be configured to allow or deny certain types of traffic from occurring. A simple example of this is that a firewall can be configured such that it only allows users to connect to a certain server, a certain IP address, or both.
Some computer operating systems have a firewall built-in, as do some internet routers. Some internet service providers also offer firewall services or you can opt to install a firewall program as well. There are free firewall programs (e.g., ZoneAlarm) that will work great for home applications and there are even some programs (e.g., Comodo) that have features like enhanced security for Chrome, Safari, and other internet browsers.
Whatever the case, having a firewall in place is critically important for protecting your computer and other devices from spyware and adware.
Run Antivirus Software
A virus could send emails from your computer, collect your passwords, and infect your files, among many other problems.
Antivirus software regularly scans all of your device’s files and checks for viruses. Your internet service provider may offer it as a part of your package or it might have come pre-installed on your computer or another device. You can also pay for your own antivirus software.
Antivirus software is regularly updated in order to keep up with all the newest viruses and computer bugs. As such, it’s important to make sure that your antivirus software has the latest updates. Also take the time to keep your operating system up to date on your computer and other devices. While constant updates to your devices can be annoying, they are critical for ensuring they are as secure as possible.
While you’re at it, be sure that your browser is up to date. In many cases, browsers can be set to update automatically, so you don’t have to do anything but allow the browser update to occur. As new and more sophisticated spyware and adware bugs are created, software engineers for companies like Microsoft and Google have to work diligently to devise fixes that prevent problems from occurring. If you don’t keep up with browser updates (and other updates to software, apps, and so forth), you leave yourself vulnerable to spyware and adware.
Install Anti-Spyware Software
According to the State of California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General, you should use anti-spyware software on your computer. Some antivirus packages include it, but not all of them do.
Some antivirus software can block spyware and adware, but this is not always the case. As such, adding a separate anti-spyware program is a good idea.
You can get anti-spyware programs for your computer, tablet, smartphone, and other internet-enabled devices. These programs will do everything from managing your passwords to creating hardened browsers to protect your financial information to making your computer’s webcam resistant to spyware. Popular anti-spyware software can be found at many different price points and come from many different companies, including Bitdefender, Norton 360, and Blur.
Spyware can slow your computer’s performance, take you to sites you did not want to go to, and show you a bunch of ads that you don’t want to see. It can also take control of your webcam, track the keystrokes you make, and take screenshots of what you have on your screen. An even bigger problem is that it can harvest your information, steal your financial details, and perhaps even steal your identity.
Spyware is often installed on computers and other devices through downloads of other software, particularly programs that are from less-than-reputable sources. As a rule of thumb, never download anything from a website unless you have reason to trust it implicitly. Likewise, only download apps for your smartphone and tablet that come from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Use Complex Pass Phrases
Be sure to use complex passphrases for all of your accounts that require a login. Stay away from easy phrases like “password” or “ABC123” and other simple passwords and phrases are easily guessed, like your birthday, address, or other identifiable details.
Do not use meaningful passwords or phrases, either. This includes phrases such as your name, child’s name, spouse’s name, or mother’s maiden name. These are also easily guessed by hackers who could already have some of your information.
When possible, use two-factor authentication for additional security. This involves having a one-time code sent to your mobile device that you must enter when logging into your accounts. The advantage of two-factor authentication is that even if someone comes to possess your password, they still cannot login to your account because they wouldn’t have the login code (unless, of course, they also have your phone and are able to access your messages).
The point is that using two-factor authentication and complex pass phrases are simple yet effective means by which you can keep your accounts safe.
Don’t Download Free Software
One of the easiest ways to protect your computer and other devices from spyware and adware is to avoid downloading free software, apps, and other services.
This is especially effective against adware. When you use free software, companies present you with all sorts of ads. This is the trade-off with many free programs. You get free access and companies get to bombard you with ads.
In many cases, these ads aren’t anything dangerous; they’re just annoying. But nefarious adware can certainly be among the ads you see with some free programs.
A better course of action is to simply pay for premium services that you really want or need. Very seldom will you find ads or adware in a premium service – after all, you’ve paid a premium price for it.
In addition to negating the issue of adware, premium paid services often have far more features than their free counterparts, so you get the advantage of a program or app that’s more functional for you anyway.
Speaking of downloads, be very, very leery of downloading anything from file-sharing websites. Files on these sites often have nasty surprises in them in the form of spyware, adware, or worse.
Also avoid downloading attachments in emails from people you don’t recognize. While email services like Google will scan attachments for viruses, some files are too large for scans, which leaves you open to downloading something that has spyware or adware. The best course of action is to simply not open emails from people you don’t know.
Verify the Browser’s Security Settings
Another way to protect your personal computer from spyware and adware is to verify your internet browser’s security settings.
Popular internet browsers like Chrome and Firefox have security settings that you can customize. You should make sure that your browser’s security settings include downloading automatic updates that reduce the risk of intrusive software. Allow the browser to block malicious sites as well.
Some browsers will even display a warning instead of automatically taking you to a site that may have spyware, adware or other malware waiting to infect your personal computer. Heed those warnings and do not continue to a website that the browser has deemed dangerous.
Try Spyware and Adware Removal Services
If you find that your device has spyware or adware, it can be removed.
Spyware and adware removal programs will target unwanted programs and eliminate them from your device. As a result, you should experience faster performance, including quicker page loading times when browsing the web.
You can get removal programs for spyware, adware, and other kinds of malware for all your devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones. If need be, invest in removal services for all your devices to ensure that all spyware and adware is removed.
Again, be wary of downloading free spyware and adware removal programs. Opt instead for a paid service that is from a trusted source, like Norton, Bitdefender, or Avast.
How to Know if Your Device is Infected
There are many telltale signs that your computer or other devices have been infected with spyware, adware, or other malware.
One of the most common signs is that your internet speed has slowed down. This slow down of your internet speed will occur over a few days or weeks, and will likely be contained to just one device. If the computer in your home office, for example, is suddenly running slow, but the computer in the family room is just fine, you might have a problem.
Another telltale sign of an infected device is if there are excessive pop-up windows. While some websites use pop-ups, they shouldn’t be great in number. If your computer screen is being bombarded with pop-ups, spyware or adware could very well be on your system.
Spyware and adware will often place new tools or toolbars in the web browser on your computer as well. If you see unfamiliar tools at the top of the browser screen, it’s likely that your machine has spyware or adware on it. Watch for changes in the web browser’s homepage, too. If that has changed and you don’t recall changing it, it’s a good sign that your computer is infected.
If your device frequently freezes or crashes, you should scan it for spyware, adware, and malware immediately. The same goes if you see programs running that are unfamiliar, if there are icons on your desktop that shouldn’t be there, and if programs are running or closing without your input to do so.
Other common signs that your device has malware include:
- Websites rerouting to incorrect URLs
- The default search engine has been changed without your input
- Changes in the security settings on your device have occurred without your input
- Files have been modified or deleted
- Unauthorized social media posts are being made on your accounts
- Unauthorized emails are being sent from your email account
- Ads online display in irregular places
- Websites that you visit often display differently upon each visit
Obviously, there are many, many different signs that your computer or device might be infected. It’s impossible to know them all, but if you keep a keen eye out for any changes to your devices, you’ll be ahead of the game.
Likewise, use the steps outlined in this article for protecting your personal computer from spyware and adware.
But, remember that protecting your devices is an active undertaking, not a passive one. Antivirus programs are great to have, but they aren’t 100 percent impenetrable. You need to do your part, too, by avoiding opening suspicious emails and attachments and take care with what you share on social media.
Of course, each of these methods of protecting your personal computer from spyware and adware work best when used together. If you take a multi-pronged approach, you’ll ensure the greatest level of safety for your devices.
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