| Spyware was in headlines for the first time | | | | security related programs as soon as |
| in 1999 when a freeware game called " Elf | | | | possible. One of the best ways to do it is by |
| Bowling" circulated with spying software | | | | utilizing the automatic update option in the |
| along with it. Since then spywares are | | | | computer. But the problem with this is if the |
| creating a havoc in the computer world. Some | | | | computer components are not genuine but |
| of the downloadable software comes with a | | | | pirated ones, then the automatic updating of |
| licensing agreement that a spyware program | | | | the operating system may work. So one has to |
| will be installed along with the requested | | | | buy genuine parts and software and keep |
| software. But most of us do not go through | | | | updating regularly |
| the agreement properly. | | | | |
| | | | Installing anti virus software |
| Spyware exists as independent executable | | | | |
| programs. These malicious software have the | | | | Anti virus software prevents viruses from |
| ability to monitor keystrokes, change the | | | | getting attached to the programs in the |
| default home page on the Web browser, read | | | | computer and prevent them from corrupting the |
| cookies, scan files on the hard drive, | | | | files. Many reliable anti virus software are |
| install other spyware programs and even spy | | | | available some of which are downloadable for |
| other applications, such as chat programs or | | | | free from the net. But one should regularly |
| word processors. The spywares continuously | | | | update the antivirus software to prevent |
| relay this information back to the person who | | | | danger from newer virus threats. |
| is spying. He will either use it for | | | | |
| advertising/marketing purposes or sell the | | | | The Firewall utility |
| information to another party. | | | | |
| | | | Hackers use viruses and Trojan Horses to find |
| Steps of protecting your computer against | | | | unprotected computers and access them to |
| spywares | | | | delete information, steal personal |
| | | | information or corrupt the files. Firewall |
| Protecting against spywares is very essential | | | | security prevents these hackers from doing |
| to safeguard personal identity and other | | | | these. Three types of firewall security are |
| vital information. There are four essential | | | | available |
| steps that are essential to safeguard your | | | | |
| computer against this malicious software. | | | | Hardware routers: for home networks connected |
| | | | to internet |
| Updating the operating system regularly | | | | |
| | | | Wireless routers: for wireless network |
| Installing an anti virus software and | | | | |
| updating it regularly | | | | Software firewalls: for single computers |
| | | | |
| Utilizing the firewall software | | | | The Anti spyware software |
| | | | |
| Utilizing the anti spyware software | | | | The antispyware software protects the |
| | | | computer from those spying the web browsing |
| Regularly updating of the operating system | | | | habits of the victim, will prevent unwanted |
| | | | pop up windows and prevent uninitiated |
| It is always essential to install all | | | | changes in the computer settings. |