Add Another Tool to Your PC

I have touted that personal computer users should have an arsenal of defense mechanisms on their desktops. Anti-Virus, Firewall and Anti-Spyware programs are available at nominal cost and provide excellent protection for PCs. Unfortunately, the threats continue to change as the bad guys change the ways they invade your computer. Major security vendors are trotting out new tools they claim will prevent you from unknowingly downloading fraudulent software.



Microsoft enters the mix by allowing computer users employing Internet Explorer 7 to set an option to turn off “Active X controls.” The Active X area allows commands which enable specialized web processes have also been proven vulnerable to hackers who download their spyware without the user’s knowledge. IE 7 is free.



Symantec is offering a product dubbed “Norton Confidential” which can be downloaded free during the test phase. One of the most respected names in computer security, Symantec maintains their software will actually prevent spyware from stealing your personal information. Symantec expcects the package to fetch from $40 to $50 when distributed for sale.



Another well-known security vendor, McAfee, approaches the problem from a different angle. Their software tracks websites which are known to download spyware and warns the user before a download from a questionable website. The package called “SiteAdvisor” is free to download.



Check Point Software Technologies the makers of ZoneAlarm are adding a feature to its “Internet Security Suite 6.5” which will monitor black market sites, and notify you if your personal information is listed for sale. The package sells for $69.



Given the rise of spyware which reports personal information back to crooks, you should consider adding one of these tools to your supply of protection software.