by Ms Mindy Matter
An increasingly common problem, rogue antispyware programs use a computer user’s vulnerabilities and fear of hackers gaining access to their computer to sell their products. They claim to offer protection when in reality their software has entered your computer at the very moment you thought you were being protected. The word “spyware” automatically brings visions of espionage and intrigue to mind, so it strikes a measure of fear with good reason. There are always those unscrupulous types of people who are forever trying to dig their way into your informational database to “spy” on your activities and steal your valuable data. It would only be reasonable to assume that “anti” spyware often completely necessary. Unfortunately, because of rogue antispyware programs, this isn’t always true.

The computer user is basically up against two types of rogue antispyware. The first type of program offers you protection, but once you have purchased it, you’ll probably find that it performs inadequately and does not offer the services as initially advertised. In most cases, the protection level with software like this is quite low, so you may end up dealing with the same spyware problems you were attempting to prevent.

The second type of rogue antispyware is a bit more problematic. It tries to take advantage of your fears by scaring you into a purchase of their software. Using very authentic and frightening warnings, the creators attempt to get you to purchase the full version of the program. The biggest problems with these, though, is that they often imbed themselves in your computer. They are typically difficult to find, and once you do locate them, you may find them difficult to remove as well, and that can damage or compromise your computer.

Ways To Detect Rogue Antispyware

Lists are available of suspected rogue antispyware programs. There is also legitimate antispyware software. Learning to tell the difference between the two is essential, as you don’t want to simply download any piece of software. Sometimes being able to tell the difference between a “real” and helpful program and a rogue application is as easy as scrutinizing their home web page site. In most cases, a legitimate web site from an authentic publisher will have the “look” and “feel” of a genuine product from a renowned company who has built a good reputation over time. The rogue antispyware home web site pages will often embody a simple look, out of character from a more substantiated producer. Moreover, they’ll look a bit like a clone of well known program names, hoping that you simply won’t notice the differing brand name. However, as you evaluate each home page, you have to remember that some imitation companies can put on a pretty good act, so more research is essential.

Another characteristic of illegitimate and rogue antispyware programs you may notice is that the web site is continually trying to link to a single file. If you are navigating the home page of a particular product, and everything you click on seems to take you to the same file name and the same file location, it’s time to be concerned. The same file used for online scanning, downloading, and even the product description itself should make you skeptical about the authenticity of the product.

Also pay strict attention to legal and contact information. It may be tempting to avoid what may seem like a bunch of long, drawn-out legal jargon when you are attempting to find a solution in a hurry, but that is exactly the situation the manufacturers of rogue antispyware want to create. Don’t let them manipulate you into agreeing to purchase a product in a hurry if you don’t know what it is and what it is going to do to your computer. Legitimate email addresses and phone numbers are required to be posted when a business is operating within the parameters of the law.

Ways to Prevent Rogue Antispyware

As mentioned above, there are legitimate antispyware programs that can help protect your computer. One way to prevent rogue antispyware from entering your computer is to keep your legitimate software updated, which is a constant battle as there is always some hacker somewhere trying to invent a new way to gain access to your computer system.

Never open any emails that you aren’t certain you know who they are from. They can be a vehicle for Trojans which may install programs like these.

Avoid pop-ups at all costs, and make certain that you don’t click on them. Use the pop-up blocker that came with your computer to block all unwanted pop-ups, even though once in a while this may interfere with legitimate needs. Don’t ever turn the pop-up blocker off unless you are certain you need to for a specific cause, and remember to turn it back on when you are finished with that specific project.

Never download shareware or freeware that you are absolutely sure it is from a reliable source.

Your internet browser should alert you if you happen upon a web page that has been certified unreliable. Pay attention to your warnings!

Ensure that your computer’s security settings are fixed at their highest level of optimization. A bit of reading on Microsoft’s site will help you understand how to adjust those settings.

If you receive a “Virus alert” message on your computer screen, don’t click on it or anything around it. Press your control, alt, and delete keys together to view a current list of the programs running on your computer. If there is an item you don’t recognize, end the process immediately. Then you’ll want to get technical support and assistance to ensure your computer is then safe to operate.

There are signs to look out for when trying to spot rogue antispyware programs. Pay attention and use your common sense to avoid letting these fake programs infiltrate your computer.

By Mindy Matter for http://www.removeadware.com.au/ - Here you’ll learn more about online privacy and rogue antispyware: http://www.removeadware.com.au/ - Please link to this site when using this article.

Article Source: How To Protect Your PC Against Rogue Antispyware