Basic steps to stay out of the reach of spyware, reports...

08/02/2005. In addition to using good, effective anti-malware tools, users should also consider changing some of their Internet ´habits´, as this can also reduce the risk of falling victim to this type of malware

The fact that nine out of ten computers contain spyware is an indication of the tenacity of this type of malware, which will exploit the slightest chink in computer defenses to infect systems. For this reason, only the best protection will do.

The basis for effective protection against spyware is the use of an appropriate technological solution, integrating reactive and proactive technologies. Nevertheless, users´ habits when using computers and the Internet have a direct influence on the chances of a system becoming infected by spyware. With this in mind, the following practical tips are designed to help users drastically reduce the chances of their computers being infected by this type of malware:

- As a lot of spyware enters computers by exploiting software vulnerabilities, it is important to install the latest security patches supplied by software vendors.

googkle.com is just one recent example). The aim is of course, to take advantage of simple user typing errors to install spyware on their systems.

According to Luis Corrons, director of PandaLabs, ˝In order to protect against spyware, it is important to have an anti-malware suite which detects both known and unknown spyware. But bear in mind that nothing is infallible, and therefore the way people use the Internet should also be geared towards reducing the chances of encounters with malware. Just as no one in their right mind would think of taking a tight bend in a car at 150 mph, no matter how advanced the car´s safety systems, neither does it make sense to surf pages infested with malware, regardless of how good your protection is.˝

Panda Software anti-spyware technology

Panda Software products includes technologies for detecting and removing spyware in addition to the TruPreventTM proactive protection technologies, developed by Panda Software to detect malware by analyzing its behavior. Since August 2004, these technologies have detected more than 1000 examples of unknown spyware.

In addition, Panda Software offers users it´s free, online anti-malware solution, Panda ActiveScan (available at www.pandasoftware.com), which in addition to detecting and removing viruses, worms and Trojans, is also highly effective in detecting spyware.

About PandaLabs

On receiving a possibly infected file, Panda Software´s technical staff get straight down to work. The file is analyzed and depending on the type, the action taken may include: disassembly, macro scanning, code analysis etc. If the file does in fact contain a new virus, the disinfection and detection routines are prepared and quickly distributed to users.
For more information: http://www.pandasoftware.com/virus_info/

Source: Panda Software International
www.pandasoftware.com