That daunting list of threats may leave you feeling demoralised, certainly weary. The good news is you don't have to fight the onslaught on your own. There are some handy software tools you can use to help secure your system. Keep in mind, though, that even with excellent software defences installed you'll need to keep your guard up.
While some good security tools are free, be prepared to spend money on securing your computer. This is one area where it doesn't pay to be penny pinching.
So, what should you pack in your security and privacy toolkit? Here's a good starting list:
Anti-virus software. There are some useful free anti-virus tools, but over the years they have not proved to be the best line of defence. You're better off going with one of the well-known products with a proven track record, such as PC-Cillin, Norton AntiVirus 2005, Eset NOD32, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus. Make sure your anti-virus software protects your email and guards against Web site threats, as well as monitoring your system for infection from other sources.
Use your anti-virus program's update feature at least a couple of times each week. (Click the image to see a full-sized screenshot.)
Anti-spyware and anti-key-logging software. When it comes to anti-spyware tools, adopt the boots-and-braces approach. Because of the rapid proliferation of spyware threats, no software program can keep up with the flow, so it pays to install at least two anti-spyware programs. The good news is, two of the best tools available are free, Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad Aware. Note, though, that the freeware version of Ad Aware is significantly less aggressive than the commercial version. If you're really worried about spyware (and you should be), buy a copy of Ad Aware SE Professional or the equally good Spy Sweeper 3.0.
If you use Internet Explorer, a risky activity in itself, install the free BHODemon as well, to stop unwanted programs installing within IE.
A spam blocker. Top choices are Ella, EmailProtect and Norton AntiSpam. If you use Microsoft Outlook as your email client, upgrade to version 2003 if possible; it has very good built-in junk mail handling. Thunderbird email also has decent junk filters.
A firewall. A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing traffic between your computer and the Internet, and prevents any unauthorised activity. It's your best defence against being turned into a zombie, and can also trap the activity of spyware and key loggers. Windows XP has a built-in firewall which has been vastly improved with Service Pack 2. Still, it doesn't do a complete job of monitoring traffic, so you should install a third-party scanner instead (don't use two software firewalls concurrently). Check out Outpost Firewall Pro and BlackICE PC Protection. If you have a high-speed, always-on connection, you should consider using a hardware firewall in conjunction with your software firewall. Many cable/DSL routers have a hardware firewall built in.
If you share your computer with others or keep sensitive information on an easily accessible desktop or notebook computer, add password protection to your data. Darn! Passwords is an excellent and affordable password manager which will let you protect your passwords, PINs, serial numbers, account numbers and more.
Your entire toolkit should cost no more than $200, and probably much less than that as it's likely you already have at least some of these tools installed. If you're starting from scratch, you can reduce the cost by buying one of the security suites, such as Norton Internet Security or PC-Cillin. Each of these combines anti-virus, firewall, and anti-spam components with additional features such as anti-spyware or parental controls.
