How clean is your computer?

A British computer security company named ”Prevx” just completed a study which found that one out of every six PCs (15%) is infected with some sort of spyware or malware.  That figure represents computers which have antivirus and/or antispyware software installed, too!  Of computers which have no protective software, about 60% are contaminated.  Even businesses aren’t free from worry; 60% of business will find at least one computer in their organization has some sort of problem.

There’s no one solution to the problem of viruses and spyware except to be aware and diligent.  Besides the usual caveat of “never download a file from someone you don’t know”, it would also be a good idea for you to have a couple of different brands of protection software, and to use them regularly.  One program may catch what another misses.  If your budget doesn’t allow for expensive software, there are some good free ones, but only download from companies which are well-known and reputable.  Stay away from “Joe’s Fly-byNight AntiVirus Software”, for example.

If you’re dealing with spyware, free programs like Lavasoft’s AdAware and Spybot:Search and Destroy will both help seek out unwanted computer intruders.  The aforementioned Prevx company also has a free spybot detection program which you can run from their website.  If you’re hunting viruses, you may want to check out AVG Free Advisor, and Avast Home Edition.  Microsoft’s new antivirus program, Windows Live OneCare, offers a free 90-trial, and McAfee will give you 30 days.

Long story short, be diligent about scanning your computer for things which shouldn’t be there.  Don’t be one of the unfortunate and compromised 15%.

Posted by Leigh-Ann on 11/03 at 03:14 AM

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