It happens to the best of us and at sometime in the life of your Internet experiences it will happen to you .... a Spyware/Browser attack!

Spyware, Adware, Malware and whatever else you want to call it, can turn all the promises of technology and the Internet into a living nightmare. Nobody is immune. Even Bill Gates, Chairman and founder of Microsoft, has found them on his personal computer. Can you imagine, seeing Bill Gates trying to kill mutable pop-up sex ad's before his wife, mother or anyone else walks into the room and looks over his shoulder.

To make matters worse, even respected companies like Mattel Toys and Intuit (Quicken) employ Spyware in their software products. It is becoming such a industry wide problem that Congress and the FTC are now stepping in to make the practice illegal. This month, two bills, overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives and are assured a fast track through the Senate to the Presidents desk.

The Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2004 H.R. 4661, sponsored by Rep. Mary Bono (R-Calif.), will send some Spyware distributors/perpetrators to jail for up to five years and/or fines up to $3 million dollars. The Safeguard Against Privacy Invasions Act H.R. 2929, will provide funds the Justice Department ($10 million) to fight Spyware. The FTC, seeing which way the wind is blowing, has already begun charging companies utilizing and distributing Spyware under existing consumer laws.

But what can you do NOW to clean your computers of these malicious digital peeping toms. Here are five steps to a safer more enjoyable web surfing experience;

1.) Use Common Sense
Never, Never, Never click OK on a pop-up screen, you did not choose to go to. Make sure everyone using your computer knows 'The Rules Of The Road' and change passwords regularly. Always read the Terms Of Service (TOS) on new programs that you download. Never download an application/browser program from a website that won't let you see it's content first.

2.) Use And Update Your Microsoft Security Settings REGULARLY
You can say what you want about Microsoft and Windows, but Bill Gates is serious about protecting Windows from Hackers and Spam. Many of the updates found at the Update Center (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/) are designed specially to close holes and backdoors in Microsoft products.

3.) Use MULTIPLE Antivirus, Spam and Firewall programs
Most computers now days, come with Antivirus programs such as Norton or McAfee. They both are proven winners but the key to their effectiveness is to keep your updates current. The subscription fees are well worth the price to prevent a known virus or Malware program.

Internet Service Providers. (ISP's) such as Earthlink and Yahoo have gotten into the business lately, and as a value added service include free Spam and Pop-up blocker software. Use them all .... You can never have too much protection.

4.) Only Download Programs/Music From Trusted Sources
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing programs are a heaven for hackers and unscrupulous marketers. I'm not going to name names but remember; that free copy of Beyonce latest hit may be carrying a digital hitchhiker that will cost you hundreds in computer repair and time. Know who you are dealing with when you join a P2P group.

5.) Keep A Anti-hijack 'Toolkit' For Emergencies
The beauty of the Internet is that for every problem there is someone out there with a solution. When all else fails you may have to employ a Spyware removal program to manually find and remove the problem. With any coputer problem I always start at CNET (www.cnet.com), PCstats (www.pcstats.com), and/or ZDnet (www.zdnet.com). A good Black owned site for help is PPC Tech Portal (www.ppctech.ppcnetworks.net). I also recommend the following sources and guides;

Beginners Guides: Browser Hijacking & How to Stop It

PCHell: Spyware removal help

2004 Anti-Spyware Report

Brother Jim Neusom will be keeping the Black community updated on the most current social and technology news. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences.

To subscribe to Neusom's column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail Neusom at: jneusom@yahoo.com

Submit an article
Join the Mailing List
Join a Discussion

Afromerica: Where its all Black & white and some gray areas.

[TOP]     [BACK TO COLUMN]