Fighting The Adware Battle:
Why is it that these days, everyone is out to steal your stuff. Whether it be your handbag, your train pass, or you credit card details - it seems that no matter where you go or what you do, you will ultimately become a target at some point. This is especially true if you own a computer, and actively use it.
In a recent study on web usage, it was found that after just 20 minutes of internet surfing on a normal computer, up to 200 unwanted programs had found their way in to the system somehow. This was with an array of protection programs installed, and with a whole host of virus protection also. What does this tell us? People creating these monster programs must be making them smarter, less detectable, and more dangerous.
So that means that we have 2 choices on our hands. Either, we give up and stop using our own computer - or we fight back with the latest and greatest programs that the internet has to offer. Regardless of which one you choose, the fact of the matter is that adware is going to continue to be a problem in the electronic world - so no matter where or when we get on a computer, we will always be at risk.
It's Not As Dire As It Sounds.
In saying this, there is no reason to go and throw yourself out of the nearest window. Adware certainly doesn't bring with it the end of the electronic world, nor does it bring copious amounts of chaos or disruption.
Instead of this, it brings the need for a sense of caution when you are on the internet. Obviously, there are a few things you shouldn't do - which have been heavily publicized in the media over time.
1. Do not open attachments from people you don't know.
2. Don't give out your credit card details to anyone.
3. Do not disclose your username and password to anyone at any time.
4. Only shop online where the store has an SSL certificate.
These are all such obvious things, yet so many people choose to ignore them because they believe that adware will never affect them. If we are to get on top of this issue together - we need to start by eliminating this lax attitude, and starting to beef up our security measures.
