Protecting business computers from spyware

Spyware is annoying to most people. It is a software program that is installed on a computer to take partial control over a user's computer without consent. Spyware programs can collect personal information and can redirect web browser activity to accessing websites blindly. This is harmful to businesses since it can easily have a virus infect the entire company. Spyware can change computer settings, resulting in slower connection speeds, different home programs, and even loss of internet altogether. Since spyware stores cookies on your computer, it can be cluttered and eventually crash your computer.

A company named Direct Revenue makes spyware programs. Their programs track where you go on the internet and clutter your computer screen with pop-ups. While most businesses are annoyed by Direct Revenue and other spyware companies, their revenue is approximately $2 billion a year. Many respectable companies use spyware for advertising such as Delta Air Lines, Cingular Wireless and many others.

How do I protect my business computers from spyware?
Since the spyware programs first began, software to block it also began. You need to ask a few questions about spyware protection software before purchasing it.

1. How often is the software updated?
a. If you are using a spyware program that was developed 10 years ago, chances are, it's no good today. With all the rapid changes in technology and advancement in the spyware software, you want to have a program that is updated at least monthly.
2. Is it automatically updated?
a. If you aren't good at checking your spyware software for updates, you can run into some problems with it becoming outdated.
3. Set up the software for updates when you are online
a. Typically spyware programs check for updates with anti-virus programs each time you log onto the internet. The best way to protect your computer is to make sure you keep up to date.
4. Scan the computer
a. Make sure you are scanning your computer often to clear cookies that bog down the computer.

How do you prevent spyware?
The best things to do for preventing spyware and putting a few tools on your computer. You will want a good anti-virus protection and you will need to use firewall. Update your software often, if you have Windows your computer will automatically check for updates with Microsoft update. Adjust Internet Explorer security settings. Changing your zone from medium to high will eliminate a lot of spyware from being attached to your computer. Download and Install anti spyware protection. If you use a windows vista, it comes with windows defender that protects against spyware. Surf and download from websites safely. Microsoft recommends the following tips for protecting you from downloading software you don't want.

- Only download programs from Web sites you trust. If you're not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.

- Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download.

- Never click "agree" or "OK" to close a window. Instead, click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press the Alt + F4 buttons on your keyboard to close a window.

- Be wary of popular "free" music and movie file-sharing programs, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.

Protecting your business computers from spyware is an easier task than it sounds. Having a company-wide policy in place about what websites are allowed and blocking the other sites are a great way to protect any problems from the get-go.