Preventing spyware downloads

Sandy

Distinguished
Sep 25, 2002
126
0
18,680
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win2000.security (More info?)

I have always been conscientious about updating my virus
protection and not downloading or opening unknown files.
This morning when I opened Internet Explorer I had
numerous pop-up ads appear and found that I had been
infected with spyware. I had to uninstall 3 different
spyware programs that somehow got onto my computer
yesterday.
How is this possible that they got installed without my
permission and how do I prevent my computer from
downloading programs without my consent while online?
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win2000.security (More info?)

If your computer is on a network, it can be infected by another computer
on that network unless you have a firewall installed and properly
configured.



Sandy wrote:
> I have always been conscientious about updating my virus
> protection and not downloading or opening unknown files.
> This morning when I opened Internet Explorer I had
> numerous pop-up ads appear and found that I had been
> infected with spyware. I had to uninstall 3 different
> spyware programs that somehow got onto my computer
> yesterday.
> How is this possible that they got installed without my
> permission and how do I prevent my computer from
> downloading programs without my consent while online?
>
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win2000.security (More info?)

Hi Sandy.

See the link below and use it's recommended security settings for Internet
Explorer which will go a long way in reducing your problem at the expense of
some inconvenience where you will be prompted for action at times. If you add
websites that you trust 100 percent to your trusted Web Content Zone you can
eliminate that from happening when browsing them.

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

I also suggest you download and use a program like Spy Sweeper that has a
"shields" mode you can configure to monitor and stop a lot of malware from ever
being installed in addition to being a detection and removal program. --- Steve

http://www.webroot.com/

In addition follow the basic security tips from Microsoft in the link below on
using a firewall, antivirus software that is kept current and scans ALL your
emails and keeping current with critical updates at Windows Update. --- Steve

https://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

"Sandy" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:014901c48ad6$c44ea7a0$a401280a@phx.gbl...
> I have always been conscientious about updating my virus
> protection and not downloading or opening unknown files.
> This morning when I opened Internet Explorer I had
> numerous pop-up ads appear and found that I had been
> infected with spyware. I had to uninstall 3 different
> spyware programs that somehow got onto my computer
> yesterday.
> How is this possible that they got installed without my
> permission and how do I prevent my computer from
> downloading programs without my consent while online?
>