How to choose a good Spyware Blocker
by SpywareBlocker on 21/06/10 at 6:01 pm
Choosing a spyware-blocking program can be a difficult process – the market is still emerging and there are few reviews available to compare the products.
What does a “Spyware Blocker” do?
Spyware blockers do exactly as the name suggests, that is they “block” or prevent spyware from infecting your computer. It is slightly different from a spyware remover, although the same piece of software often provides both functions.
Spyware blockers work by preventing the installation of spyware software on a computer. Data transferred by the computer is scanned for spyware and when detected its installation is blocked. Spyware Blockers may also offer protection by scanning computers for spyware that had already been installed. If any spyware is detected, it is then removed.
Spyware Blocker Features
Real Time Protection
This is probably the most important function of any Spyware Blocking software. Basically this means that your computer is being constantly monitored or any type of suspicious behaviour as your computer sends and receives data online (browsing, emails etc). If the Spyware Blocker detects any irregular activity it perceives as a threat to the computers security it will automatically prevent the file(s) in questions from performing their malicious function (perceived or otherwise).
Signature Updates
It is very important that anyway software you choose be updated regularly. Just like anti-virus software, anti-spyware is practically useless if it does not have up-to-date signatures. A good Spyware Blocker will automatically check for updates in the background.
Brand Name Vendors
It is now common for attackers to make spyware disguised as anti-spyware, so that when a user has been infected and looks for a spyware blocker to remove the infection downloading the wrong piece of software may actually add to the problem and install more spyware. You should only install software from a trusted source or vendor that has a good history of spyware removal.
