Chapter 7:  CONTINUED PROTECTION

The colossal threats of spyware in the last half a decade have forced the major players of Internet service providers to take defensive measures against these applications. As a result of the protective action they have added spyware protection systems to their newest software systems to secure the privacy of their customers. At one point it was the problem of uncontrolled spam that provided the major headache, but now it is the spyware syndrome that is taking the tool. The spam problem is more or less solved but it’s a war that is reigning against the spyware applications. Though it is worth mentioning that the shield that the major Internet service providers are offering are almost the same with very little to differ but again, it is some sort of protection to write home.
 
For example the McAfee Security's desktop-protection services, personal firewall services and anti-virus system by Microsoft's MSN ISP offered within the MSN Premium subscription format for broadband users in the United States of America. They also provide that McAfee is the product of the famous Network Associates Inc.

Another such Internet service provider is EarthLink. In October 2003 they launched anti-spyware protection software named Spyware Blocker. It is very worthy as an effective application against spyware as Spybot S&D.

America Online, on the other hand launched the efficient AOL Spyware Protection. It was supplemented with its AOL 9.0 Optimized software. This application is in reality a product of the Aluria Software, a highly esteemed company with a long list of successful anti-bug applications like Spyware Eliminator, pop-up stoppers and optimizers.

On the individual ground, it must be remembered that a few good computer habits can act as an effective safeguard against spyware applications and there are few procedures too that help you clean your system. They are as follows:

The most common form of removing a spyware application is mostly through Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs. But that is rarely accessible as spyware is intelligent enough to catalogue itself as other useful applications. For such cases the user can usually disable and/or remove them through Task Manager, Windows Services, or MSConfig as per the application. But this too is not a 100% guaranteed protection.

While operating your E-mail account it should be noted always to avoid opening any sort of spam mail or e-mails sent to the user from anonymous or unfamiliar sender. Any attachment thereof should also be left alone to be deleted. This is because along with spyware, viruses and worms even programs like RATS can also be present in these mails.
In case the user is using Outlook Express or Outlook for e-mail access, there are certain prevailing applications and settings that help immensely to keep a check on spyware and virus applications.
   
Here is a wise suggestion published in the ‘Internet Journal’, “Pay close attention if you visit Web sites that advertise "too good to be true" deals or feature pornography. Be careful what you download. Read all dialogue boxes carefully and close anything that looks suspicious. When closing dialogue boxes or pop-up advertisements, be sure to use the proper "X" to close the window. The Web is full of ads that feature mock "Xs" or "Close" or "OK" buttons within the ad. Clicking on them actually clicked on the ad itself. If you're not sure how to safely close a window that has opened in your browser, right click on the window in your Windows Taskbar (usually at the bottom of your display) and click on Close."

The only way to ensure complete shielding of spyware threats is installing appropriate anti-spyware protection application.  Spyware Eliminator, Spyware Doctor, Spy Sweeper, CounterSpy, MS AntiSpyware, Ad-Aware, McAfee, Pest Patrol, NoAdware, Spybot S&D, PALSol, Spy Hunter, SpyKiller, StopZilla!, XoftSpy, etc. are just some successful applications to name a few.

So, take a moment, be acquainted, be knowledgeable and take the most appropriate step by choosing your anti-spyware application wisely.