A new breed of malicious software can record every keystroke a computer user makes and send the data

A new breed of malicious software can record every keystroke a computer user makes and send the data to identity thieves over the Internet. Here are some tips for safer computing:
Keep your operating system up to date, using the automatic update feature in Microsoft Windows.
Install an Internet firewall.
Use and update your anti-virus software.
Install a program that scans your computer for spyware and run it weekly. Spyware scanners include Spybot Search & amp; Destroy, Ad-Aware by Lavasoft, Spy Sweeper by Webroot Software, and PestPatrol by Computer Associates.
Never click on Web links embedded in an e-mail; always type the address into your browser.
Consider switching your Web browser from Internet Explorer to Firefox, which has fewer critical and unpatched security holes.
Change your passwords regularly.
Keep sensitive information off computers connected to the Internet.
If your PC has been compromised, volunteers at Web sites such as www.spywarewarrior.com and www.spywareinfo.com can help repair your machine.
Consider switching credit cards and bank accounts and ordering a credit freeze from the three major credit bureaus Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Sources: SpywareWarrior, Sunbelt Software, Counterpane, Los Angeles Times research