| If your computers are in any way connected the | | | | and say it directly, but that is all the more reason |
| Internet, they are being regularly bombarded with | | | | to pause and actually read those messages |
| spyware, viruses, and other malware. Here are 5 | | | | before you accept. Fight Back with Antivirus |
| easy steps you can follow to block these | | | | Software Viruses are just a small part of the |
| programs, or at least detect and remove | | | | what you need software to protect you from. |
| spyware from your firm's networks and | | | | Antivirus software has expanded to include |
| computer systems. What are these sneaky little | | | | fighting worms, trojans, vulnerability exploits, |
| programs up to? The more benign spyware and | | | | jokes, hoaxes and even spyware and adware. |
| adware simply watches the pages you visit on | | | | Check that your business's antivirus system will |
| the web so that companies can fine-tune their | | | | detect and block spyware. You can try a product |
| marketing based on profiling. However, malicious | | | | like AdAware Pro, which will protect your system |
| spyware goes beyond tracking, monitoring | | | | from spyware or adware in real time. Scan Your |
| keystrokes, capturing passwords and other | | | | Networks Even with antivirus software, firewalls |
| functions which pose a definite security risk to | | | | and other protective measures some spyware or |
| your business. Be Careful Where You Download | | | | adware may eventually make it through the |
| Unscrupulous programs often come from | | | | network to individual computers. While a product |
| unscrupulous sites. If you are looking for a | | | | like AdAware Pro mentioned previously will |
| freeware or shareware program for a specific | | | | monitor your systems in real time, your business |
| purpose, try searching reputable sites like or | | | | must pay licensing fees in order to install |
| Actually Read the EULA That's an End User | | | | AdAware Pro system-wide. Evaluating and using |
| License Agreement. It's all of the legal | | | | the strongest solution is worth it when you |
| mumbo-jumbo in that box above the radio | | | | consider the IT expense of fixing systems and |
| buttons that say "No, I do not accept" or "Yes, I | | | | the time lost by employees, not to mention the |
| accept these terms". Most people click "yes" so | | | | frustration. However, AdAware is the free |
| fast you'd think they were playing a computer | | | | alternative for personal use provided by Lavasoft, |
| game. Keep in mind that the EULA is a legal | | | | the makers of AdAware Pro. AdAware will not |
| agreement you are making with the software | | | | monitor in real time, but you can scan your |
| vendor--and you may be agreeing to install | | | | system manually to detect and remove spyware. |
| spyware or allow a variety of other changes to | | | | Another excellent choice is Spybot Search & |
| your system. Evaluate whether it's worth it first. | | | | Destroy, also free. Follow these five steps and |
| Read that Pop-Up Window Windows that pop up | | | | you'll proactively protect your computers from |
| on websites are sometimes useful. But | | | | spyware and detect and remove any harmful |
| sometimes clicking the button or link will start to | | | | code that does infiltrate. Take care of it today! |
| install harmful software. Like the EULA, many | | | | Nick Pegley is VP Marketing for All Covered: |
| users will click "yes" or "ok" without stopping to | | | | Technology Services Partner for Small Business, |
| read the text just to make it go away. Maybe it | | | | providing information technology security and IT |
| said "Would you like to install our spyware | | | | services in 20 major U.S. metro areas. |
| program?" Ok, admittedly they don't come out | | | | |