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