How I block Spyware/Malware/Adware 1

[dibbkd]

Just thought I'd pass along what I use to protect my PC's from malicious computer stuff:

Nortons AntiVirus
Zone Alarm (free version)
Ad-aware (free version)
Greatly modified HOSTS file to block unwanted sites
Greatly modified Restricted Zones in IE

I get the HOSTS file and Restricted Zones file from the following link, along with a lot of good information:

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/

Check it out, it's a great site and has helped me a lot.

Does anyone know somewhere that compares in an easy to read format the different features of various anti-spyware tools?

I'd like to compare Spybot, Ad-aware, Pest Patrol, Spysweeper, etc...

-Thanks!

 

[sectorboot]

Check out CA's Secure Content Management.
It's an antivirus, antispam, anti malicious code and it goes as far as preventing sensitive document to be send out of the organization.
It can provide user control and management a comprehensive reports.
The best security tools I've seen so far...

 

[manarth]

Because most malware is coded against IE/Windows, using an alternative browser (Mozilla / Opera are two strong contenders) renders most malware impotent.

Security through obscurity

For those affected by Malware, a FAQ on removal may be of some use: faq608-3482.

<marc> i wonder what will happen if i press this...[ul][li]please tell us if our suggestion has helped[/li][li]need some help? faq581-3339[/li][/ul]

 

[pechenegs]

Manarth, I agree, Mozilla is good, blocks pop-ups and you can also block cookies and images. Have you tested the new Mozilla browsers like firefox and Mozilla 1.6? I'm currently using 1.4, the only thing is, when you upgrade to a new version of Mozilla I lose all my favourites.

pech

 

[manarth]

Hi Pech,

reconfiguring moz each time can be a pita - to keep your Moz bookmarks safe: click Bookmarks > Manage > File> Export...

Moz 1.6 works a dream: an extra worth installing is mozgest (mouse gestures - I think it's from

http://optimoz.mozdev.org/)

I use Moz 1.6 at home, and installed Firefox at work yesterday. I'm still undecided - I'm used to Moz so Firefox feels a bit alien...I'm sure I'll get used to it!

<marc> i wonder what will happen if i press this...[ul][li]please tell us if our suggestion has helped[/li][li]need some help? faq581-3339[/li][/ul]

 

[THoey]

I use both Ad-Aware 6.0 and Spybot Search and Destroy. I update them regularly and run them at least weekly. I am alos running Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster. These four tools, along with a good firewall and virus protection will keep most things out.

Remember, the most important thing is to remember to download updates to keep the applications current. The idiots out there creating this crud aren't sitting back, neither should your defense.

The links for the four tools:

Ad-Aware:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com

Spybot:

http://security.kolla.de/

Spyware Blaster:

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareblaster.html

Spyware Guard:

http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html

Happy Hunting...

Terry
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Please make sure your post is in the CORRECT forum, has a descriptive title, gives as much detail to the problem as possible, and has examples of expected results. This will enable me and others to help you faster...

 

[CharlesCook]

here is a star for the hosts file idea.

CharlesCook.com
ADP - PeopleSoft - SAP
ReportSmith - Crystal Reports - SQR - Query - Access
Reporting - Interfaces - Data Mining

 

[dibbkd]

One more tip on the HOSTS file, you can make it read-only or use Zone Alarm to make it read-only so that other spyware can't rewrite to it like some do.