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Though we enjoyed our anti-spyware project, we have returned to our original work.

You can find us at Clickademics.com where we have recently launched our Clickademics Essay Engine™. It helps students who have an essay due tomorrow but don't know where to start.

Check it out. We are really proud of it.

To Block Spyware, Make All of Your Updates Automatic

You know that you need to install a spyware blocker to keep your machine running fast.

You know that you need to update your operating system because they regularly come out with security patches to block attacks.

But what about your other programs?

There are two common types of spyware - those that you install yourself (usually hidden in free-ware) and those that creep in through a weakness in your computer software. It used to be that the operating system, namely Windows XP, was the favorite target for spyware developers. However, with the Service Pack updates and then with Vista and Windows 7, Microsoft has closed most of the loopholes.

The malware developers, of course, found another entrance to users’ computers that is almost as ubiquitous as the Windows operating system, programs that users install but never update.

Software applications are the new favorite target of purveyors of spyware because they have many of the same vulnerabilities as the old operating systems, but fewer patches. That is because software developers release security updates much less often than those of operating systems. Secondly, and most importantly, users very rarely update their software. Most people install a program and then forget it. The problem is that the spyware creators find new loop holes in the software, and developers create security patches to block the spyware, but these are pointless if the user does not install the update.

The most likely targets for attack are the programs that are most widely used: Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Java Runtime. 

Here is the easiest way to protect yourself. First, install a reliable spyware blocker and keep it updated. Secondly, set your operating system to install automatic updates. Lastly, keep your programs updated. Many programs can check for updates automatically, but you can also find services that will check your software for you. The most reliable I have seen is from CNET.