Counter-Espionage For Your PC

When people learn to drive, the better schools teach them defensive driving. The same thing, sadly, is necessary when it comes to Windows computing. Today's computing environment is becoming increasingly hostile with all sorts of threats to our privacy, security and the efficient operations of our computers.

Viruses, hackers and spam have been around for a long time but to that rogues gallery, you can also add some newer and equally pernicious threats including spyware and phishing.

Spyware is malicious software that gets on your computer to display unwanted advertising and, in some cases, track what you're doing on the Internet. Phishing is a type of spam that appears to come from a legitimate bank or other institution but takes you to a rogue site where you are asked to enter personal information - often, purportedly, as a security measure.

What you're really doing is turning over confidential information - passwords, credit card numbers and even Social Security numbers - to criminals who can use it to steal your identity and your money.

The bad news is that Internet threats seem to be getting worse. The good news is that there are an increasing number of tools available to help you defend yourself.

I'm focusing primarily on Windows. Macintosh users are not totally out of the woods (they are just as likely to get spam and phishing attacks) but they are far less likely to be affected by a virus or spyware than their Windows brethren.

When it comes to defenses, there are things you can do on your own to avoid being a victim and there are software tools you can load on your PC to help prevent or remove malicious software or e-mail.

Let's start with safe computing. Be very careful what you download and install on your computer and always read any licensing agreements that you are asked to click OK to approve. Sometimes these agreements contain clauses in which you are giving your permission for the company to load spyware on your machine.

Gain Publishing, which distributes free software such as smiley faces, toolbars and other little utilities, clearly states in its privacy policy that it comes with GAIN AdServer software ("GAIN"), which will display pop-up, pop-under, and other types of ads on your computer - "based on the information we collect."

They further tell you that "GAIN Ads will appear while you are browsing the Web, not just when you use GAIN-Supported Software. GAIN Ads are not usually associated with or sponsored by the Web site that you are viewing at the time you receive them. In fact, GAIN Ads may be from a competitor of a site you are viewing."

This type of advertising is annoying and distracting and the software that displays it can slow down your computer. Courts have upheld that these license agreements are binding contracts which give companies like GAIN the right to install such software.

So, as a user you have to decide whether it's worth it to you to install such programs. You might think twice and if you have kids or others that use your computer, you should talk with them about what they can and cannot load on your PC.

Defending yourself against phishing attacks requires you to be a bit circumspect when you get a message that appears to be from a bank or other legitimate company you may do business with. If they ask you to click on a link or provide information, don't do it. If you want to provide information to such a company, type in the URL yourself, or - better yet - call the company to see if the message is legitimate. If they're asking you for personal information, it's probably a scam.

There are numerous tools you can download or purchase to help protect yourself. One of the better tools to combat spyware is Spybot Search and Destroy, which you can get for free from Download.com. This software will scan your PC to locate spyware and then allow you to remove it. You have to use it on a fairly regular basis to be sure you're protected from the ever-growing list of threats.

WebRoot's Spy Sweeper is an excellent commercial anti-spyware program that automatically regularly sweeps your computer to locate and remove spyware. You can download a free trial copy from Webroot.com, but you have to pay $29.95 for a year's worth of updates and support.

Spyware is just one of several threats to your PC so, for many users, it makes sense to purchase an application that will guard against spyware as well as viruses, hackers, spam, phishing and other pests.

Many of the companies that sell anti-virus software now offer Internet safety "suites" that protect you from a multitude of sins. Symantec, famous for its Norton Anti-Virus, now has a Norton Internet Security Spyware Edition ($79.95) that includes Norton AntiVirus, Spyware Protection, a personal firewall (to keep out intruders), privacy controls, and parental controls to help keep your kids away from inappropriate web sites.

McAfee, another major anti-virus company offers an Internet SecuritySuite ($49.99), designed to protect you from spyware and adware, unwanted inbound and outbound Internet traffic, malicious e-mail, phishing web sites and "offensive online content, including pop-ups and ads."

Zone Labs, which has long offered a firewall program to keep intruders and hackers at bay, has recently expanded its offerings. Its ZoneAlarm Security Suite includes software to protect against spyware, viruses, spam, and abusive instant messages. It also has parental controls to filter out inappropriate web sites.

The company's strategy is to use best-of-breed applications for each category: its own firewall protection and spyware protection along with anti-virus software from Computer Associates and anti-spam software from MailFrontier.

I've been using the new version 6.0 for a few weeks and while no security product gives you an ironclad guarantee, this software certainly succeeds at stopping spam (that I know for sure) and it appears to do a good job blocking viruses and spyware.

Whatever protections you decide to purchase or download, make sure you have the latest version of the operating system (Windows XP users should be using Service Pack 2, which has a lot of security features) and be sure your protection software is up-to-date.

It's wise to remember that you can never be 100 percent certain that all malicious invaders have been detected and blocked: some spyware and viruses do a very good job at staying under the radar.

Finally, as is the case with airbags, seatbelts and any other form of protection, don't be complacent - even if you do have security software in place.

Software protection can help, but it's no substitute for vigilance and safe computing habits.