Spyware Protection and Garden Gnomes

Have you ever been surfing the Internet only to feel like you are being watched? It's like that creepy feeling you get from the neighbor's garden gnomes because you just know they are watching you? Now, I do share your conspiracy theory about the garden gnomes but I can only help you with your computer suspicions. In most cases, you probably are being tracked in one form or another, but that doesn't mean it's always malicious. A lot of our Internet surfing activity is tracked for trend data, marketing, and research. And that's to be expected. What I want to address today is Spyware.

Many of us have heard this term, but what does it really mean? Spyware is a type of malware (malicious software) installed on computers that collects information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden and can be tricky to detect. Spyware can collect almost any type of data, including personal information like user logins to bank or credit card accounts. Now, before you go ripping out all your computer cables and start planning your move to a remote Alaskan retreat, let me put your mind at ease. With a few simple applications and precautions, you too can create a happy and secure Internet experience!

We are going to use two steps to accomplish this . . .

Step one: First, we need to install anti-spyware software. This will accomplish two things. One, it will clean up any existing infections. Two, it will give you a new barrier of protection against future attacks. There are plenty of great free and commercial software options out there. By far, the most used program is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Both the free and commercial version do a phenomenal job. Ad-Aware and Spybot - Search & Destroy are also widely used for the same purpose.

Step two: We need to get that browser of yours secure. There are a few things you can do to ensure your web browser is not giving away your information like a politician giving away campaign promises.
Here are a few items to consider:

• Password remember function – Web browsers usually contain some kind of password manager. From the point of personal security and online account security, do not automatically save your passwords and user names for your important accounts where you have personal information.
• Keep your browser updated – Developers release fixes for issues found in your browser, and it is the same for security bugs. So have automatic updates enabled.
• Clear browsing data – This data includes your browsing download history, cache, cookies, passwords, and saved form data. Clearing this regularly will ensure your data is secure and keep tracking cookies off your system.

With these few simple steps you can now surf the Internet more securely and safely. In the near future, I will talk about taking it to the next level with anonymous surfing techniques. If only garden gnomes were that easy to deal with!

Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.