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Third, hackers find an open port on your computer and use
"back door" to install basically anything they want.
And fourth, more malicious types, like keystroke loggers, can even get installed by someone with direct physical access to your computer such as an employer, suspicious spouse, business competitor, or someone who wants to know exactly what you're doing.
Now, suppose you carry an up-to-date anti-virus program and a firewall - shouldn't that represent potent protection?
In a word: NO!
I can personally attest that even most up-to-date anti- virus programs and firewalls will not (repeat, WILL NOT) catch all spyware that can infest your computer.
You need a program that specifically scans your system for tens-of-thousands of existing spyware programs along with new ones appearing daily.
Check out "Spy Sweeper" from webroot.com - this is program I used to discover spyware on my computer.
One thing I noticed, however, is that this program is a memory hog, so once I scanned, I turned it off and then use it 2-3 times a week... not best strategy, but I want to give you "whole" picture.
I also got following recommendations from numerous subscribers about 2 programs to specifically help identify and remove spyware from your system (PC):
1. "Ad Aware" from lavasoft.de 2. "Spybot Search & Destroy" from safer-networking.org
The overwhelmingly recommended firewall suggested by readers was Zone Alarm Pro from Zone Labs => http://www.ebookfire.com/zonealarm.html
The bottom line seems pretty simple (but lengthy) if you want to protect yourself against this growing threat.
~ Keep your anti-virus program current ~ Install a firewall ~ Carefully screen software before installing it ~ Scan for specifically for spyware weekly ~ Stay current on this growing threat.
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist (http://www.TheNetReporter.com) and is the author of several best-selling ebooks, information products and software programs.
