More on the Web

General

• "Malware: what it is and how to prevent it" -- a superior article at Ars Technia on all aspects of malware
• "Who says safe computing must remain a pipe dream?" -- Bruce Schneier's recommendation in a nutshell. Bruce is an expert's expert.
• "Security on the Cheap" or "The Four Pillars of Internet Security" -- by Alex Eckelberry, president of SunBelt Software
• "The New Security War" at PCWorld.
• A comprehensive checklist, along with explanations. It's an excellent tool for evaluating your own security setup.
• Preventing and recovering from Identity-theft.

Online tests and malware scans

• Test your firewall and other defenses online. That's a good way to see if you are really protected against hackers, viruses and worms.
• There are several good services that will scan your computer while you're online. You don't need to install or update full programs to use these services.

Comprehensive security sites

• Sunbelt Spyware Research Center: Spyware has become the most prevalent and dangerous malware. Don't be put off by the title -- this website has comprehensive, well-written information about spyware prevention.
• Security at Home: Microsoft's up to date security site for home users.
• Eric Howes' Privacy & Security Page: A virtual "mother lode" of privacy and security information.
• All-Internet-Security.com has comprehensive coverage of security software.
• Anti-Spyware Guide: This page at firewallguide.com offers links to articles, reviews, vendors and resources to help you fight spyware.
• Secunia: Virus information, virus data, virus alerts, product vulnerabilities, virus statistics,...
• Stay Safe Online: Comprehensive website on security.
• UK Security Online: Excellent coverage of Internet threats and the defenses. The writing is clear and straightforward. Has a enterprise perspective, but most of the content applies to home systems as well.
• DOZLENG.com: An extensive site devoted to many aspects of online security.
• Wilders Security Forums is a good place to get answers to security and security software questions.

Malware info: viruses, worms, spyware, Trojans, et al.

• PestPatrol: Search for information on a vast number of specific spyware, Trojan and other pests.
• PC Pitstop: Top 25 spyware and adware threats
• Spyware-Guide.com: extensive coverage of spyware threats.
• Anti-Spy.com: Comprehensive list of files and Windows processes that will answer most questions about strange things running on your computer.
• SpywareInfo.com/: Comprehensive and up-to-date spyware site. Get help with spyware removal there too.
• Webroot (Spy Sweeper): Very useful spyware infection and spyware definition pages.
• CNet.com: Overview of spyware and Trojans.
• Symantec (Norton): Information on viruses, Trojan horses, worms, macros and other vulnerabilities and exploits.
• Trend Micro: The latest information on viruses, worms and hoaxes.
• Spybot Search and Destroy (the website): List of software that carries spyware, as well as some that is free of spyware.
• DOXdesk: Information on spyware, anti-spyware programs, etc.
• "A blueprint for removing any and all malicious software from an infected Windows computer... The intended audience for this are computer nerds..."

Hackers and firewalls

• "Keep Hackers Out", at PC Magazine, is a comprehensive yet easy to read article about intrusion and firewalls. Look for the "Print" logo there if you want to read the article all in one piece.
• Home PC Firewall Guide: Reviews of firewalls.

Reviews of security software

You'll find my specific recommendations for protective software at my "Install a Firewall" and "Anti-Malware" pages.

Most anti-spy and anti-malware review sites are not objective. Many are nothing more than fronts for products that do more harm than good. The review sources below seem to be objective and fairly consistent with each other.

• AV-Test.org: a project of the Business-Information-Workgroup at the Institute of Technical and Business Information Systems in Germany.
• I maintain an index of security program reviews that I update when I find new ones.

Spyware and malware defense and removal

• You'll find more information at this site on removing spyware and other malware.
• The definitive anti-spyware website: "Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites" has good information on what to do if you're infested. See "If Your PC is Infested w/ Spyware...".
• Suggestions at Spyware Warrior on what to do if your computer is overrun with spyware.
• Steve Gibson's concise but comprehensive page on spyware defense and removal.
• "Removing Spyware" by Michael Horowitz.
• Get help with removing malware at Jim Eschelman's AumHa forums.
• Spybot Search and Destroy (the website): List of software that carries spyware, as well as some that is free of spyware.
• http://www.spywareinfo.com/ -- offers help with spyware removal.
• http://www.spywareinfo.com/: Comprehensive and up-to-date spyware site. Get help with spyware removal there too.
• Webroot (Spy Sweeper): Very useful spyware infection and spyware definition pages.
• "Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites" has good information on what to do if your PC is infested with spyware. Also online help forums and a lot more.
• Jim Eschelman's "Finding, Removing & Protecting Yourself From Scumware"