How to Defeat Spyware

Spyware may collect your personal information.

Spyware is a term used to describe malicious software that is designed to subject you to unwanted advertisements, collect your personal information or change the configuration of your computer. Spyware programs install themselves on your computer without your permission and may slow your computer, change your Internet homepage, redirect your Internet searches and disable certain programs. Fortunately, most spyware can be prevented and removed for free. Note that the steps below apply to Windows Vista and Windows Seven.

Instructions

Turn on Firewall

1. Click "Start," "Control Panel," "System and Security" and then "Windows Firewall."

2. Click "Turn Windows Firewall On or Off."

3. Click "On" and then click "OK." Windows Firewall will prevent your computer from becoming infected with spyware sent by remote hackers.

Adjust Internet Explorer Settings

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Click "Tools" and "Internet Options," and then click on the "Security" tab.

3. Change the Security Level to "High" by dragging the bar to the top.

Download and Run An Anti-Spyware Program

1. Download a free anti-spyware program, such as Spybot Search and Destroy, Ad-Aware or CWShredder (see Resources). Note that Windows Vista and Windows Seven come preinstalled with an anti-spyware program called, Windows Defender. To open Windows Defender, click "Start" and type "Windows Defender" into the Search Programs and Files box and press "Enter."

2. Turn on real-time protection. Most anti-spyware programs offer live protection. This means that the anti-spyware program protects your computer from becoming infected with spyware. To turn on Windows Defender real-time protection, click "Tools" and "Options," and select "Use Real-Time Protection" and then click "Save."

3. Run a full scan of your computer using your anti-spyware program. To run a full scan of your computer using Windows Defender, click the "Down Arrow" next to Scan and then click on "Full Scan." Running a full scan will remove any spyware programs that have already infected your computer.

References

• Microsoft Security: What is Spyware?
• Microsoft Security: How to Prevent Spyware
• Windows: Using Windows Defender

Resources

• Spybot Search And Destroy: Home
• Lavasoft: Ad-Aware
• Trend Micro: CWShredder