Survey indicates growth in spam, viruses, spyware
There are steps users can take to avoid some of the problems.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Those irritating problems of the computer world -- spam, viruses and spyware -- continue to grow exponentially, according to a survey by Consumer Reports.
Despite the first federal law regulating junk e-mail going into effect last January, spam still outnumbered legitimate messages, according to the survey of 2,000 e-mail users.
And most of us are aware of viruses, which can come from both e-mail and from downloading software.
But spyware, which marketing companies use to "spy" on your Internet usage and send pop-up screens to lure you away from your regular sites, is also becoming more of a problem, according to CR. While not illegal, spyware can slow down your machine, sending your blood pressure soaring.
Fighting spam
There are ways to fight these menaces, however. Here are some tips from the magazine:
UDon't buy anything promoted in a spam message.
UDon't reply to spam or click on its "unsubscribe" link. That informs the sender that your e-mail address is valid.
UIf your e-mail program has a preview pane, disable it to prevent the spam from reporting back to its sender.
UIf you receive spam that promotes a brand, complain to the company behind the brand by postal mail, which makes more of a statement than e-mail.
UUse one e-mail address for family and friends, another for everyone else. When an address attracts too much spam, abandon it for a new one. Select an address with embedded digits, such as jane8doe2@isp.com.
UIf you get lots of spam, check your Internet service provider's filtering features and compare them with those of competitors.
UTo help the Federal Trade Commission control spam, forward it to spam@uce.gov.
Don't post your e-mail address in its normal form on a publicly accessible Web page. Post it in a form, such as "Jane AT isp DOT com," that can't be easily read by harvesting software.
Foiling viruses, hackers
UDon't open an e-mail attachment unless you were expecting it.
UUse anti-virus software and heed security alerts e-mailed directly from anti-virus vendors to download antidotes for newly circulating viruses and worms.
UInstall a firewall with both incoming and outgoing protection.
Regularly update your operating system, Web browser and other major software.
UUse passwords that are at least eight characters long that include at least one numeral and one symbol. Never disclose a password online.
UWhen you aren't using the computer, shut off the modem or the computer itself.
UDownload and install software only from trusted sources. Close windows containing pop-up ads or unexpected warnings by closing the entire window, not by clicking within the window.
UWhen installing software, read the license agreement before clicking on "Agree" or "OK." Read any privacy statements. If they are difficult to find or include questionable practices, abort the installation by closing the window in which it's occurring. Don't try to close it by clicking on "Yes" or "I Accept."
UAdjust your Web browser's security settings. If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, keep its security level at medium or higher to block Web sites from downloading a file without your authorization.
UUse updated anti-spyware software to scan your hard drive regularly. Always download it from a trusted site.