How to Protect Your Computer from Spyware

Level of difficulty: Easy

A spyware application is any program that monitors your computer activities and uses these bits of information without your knowledge or consent. This application can log your keystrokes, collect your confidential information, and use this to send to other companies, possibly to show you ads of their products. A spyware program can even use your personal data such as credit card information to steal from you. It can also cause slow browsing speeds and may damage your computer. Do not worry as there are ways on how you can protect yourself from spyware programs.

Materials Needed:
- Computer
- anti-virus software
- spyware removal software
- firewall
Step 1
Install firewall software and make sure that it is set to protect your computer. Windows has a built-in firewall that you can use to control what data goes in and out of your machine. Check the settings of your firewall to customize what it will block from entering your system.
Step 2
Be careful of the sites you visit when browsing the Internet. Pornography sites especially, are known to spread viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, adware, and other threats. If there are multiple users of your computer, you may opt for a porn block to ensure that no one can visit these sites.
Step 3
Check the application or file first before you download anything. Beware of sites that provide free software as these are usually bundled with other applications. Download only from reputable and established sites. If you observe a difference in how your computer functions after you downloaded a program, it is best to remove the application first and then run your anti-virus and apyware removal software to clean your machine.
Step 4
When using your email, be careful of attachments sent to you by people you do not know. These could be spam and may include spyware or Trojan horse that will infect your computer. Run your virus scan and spyware scan first before opening an attachment.
Step 5
Get spyware software reliable and free from adware. Some anti-spyware companies advertise their products as free but are actually bundled with other unnecessary applications. They may also deceive you into purchasing the product by saying that there are threats in your computer when there is actually none. Once you have spyware removal software, make sure you are fully protected by checking for updates online.
Step 6
Try not to use file-sharing or peer-to-peer (P2P) applications as these are most susceptible to viruses and spyware. When downloading a file, check the source and read the comments to see if it is authentic.
Step 7
Scan your system regularly. Even with anti-virus software, some adware and spyware programs can still make it to your computer. If your virus removal application does not scan on a real-time basis, do regular manual checks and get updates daily to protect your system.