Tips For Everyone (Anti-Malvertising.com)

Follow these steps to help protect your computer and personal information from malware threats:

1) Use up-to-date anti-virus software

Be sure you have anti-virus software installed on your computer, update it regularly, and use it to run frequent full-system checks. Although Google cannot guarantee particular products' effectiveness, the following list notes several popular options that some users have found to be helpful:

Google Pack, which includes Spyware Doctor Starter Edition and Norton Security Scan (for Windows): http://pack.google.com
Sunbelt's VIPRE (for Windows): http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Home-Home-Office/VIPRE/
Kaspersky's Internet Security (for Windows): http://www.kaspersky.com/kaspersky_internet_security
SecureMac's MacScan (for Macs): http://macscan.securemac.com/download.ph

2) Make sure your operating system and browser are up to date

Attackers typically target vulnerabilities in your operating system (OS) and your browser to install malware on your computer. OS and browser providers frequently release updates to close those vulnerabilities. To ensure you have up-to-date protection, enable automatic updates for your OS, browser, browser plug-ins and other applications you're using. Applications such as Secunia (http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/) can help monitor your computer for out-of-date software.

3) Be careful about what you download

New sources of malware are emerging all the time, and no anti-virus software can protect every vulnerability. Exercise caution whenever you're prompted to download an email attachment, follow an instant-message link, install a plug-in, or download an unfamiliar piece of software.
Remember that malware can be disguised as anti-virus software. Always research a company's reputation before downloading its software or visiting its website.

4) Speak up to help keep the web safe

If you come across a potentially dangerous website, please report it at http://www.google.com/safebrowsing/report_badware/.
If you suspect that a company is distributing malware or other harmful software, report it to the proper authorities.

5) If you suspect a computer may be infected, use a reputable product to detect/remove malware

Antivirus software can help to remove malware from an infected computer. However, be aware that some malicious parties disguise their crimeware as antivirus/antispyware software in order to trick people into buying or downloading it. Fake (and harmful) software of this kind is known in the web security community as "rogue security software."
Always research a security product's reputation before downloading it or exposing your system to its scanning functions. The National Cyber Security Alliance maintains a list of free security checks offered by computer security vendors; you can access this resource at http://www.staysafeonline.info/content/free-security-check-ups.

Learn more about how to protect yourself online by reviewing the Top Cyber Security Practices published at StaySafeOnline.org.

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