Norton Security


Spy Sweeper


MailWasher Pro


Spybot SD


Cookie Monster


Cybia's Top 5 Links : There are many good quality programs now available but the above selection are some of my personal favourites! See below for a quick list of other software in this category with links to their homepage ...
 


Agnitum
Allume Systems
Alwil Software
AMPsoft
Armor2net
Aspect-Systems
Audiotrieve
Avert Stinger
Bartware
BillP Studios
BitDefender
CentralCommand
ClamWin
CloudMark
Computer Associates
Cygnus Productions
Definitive Solutions
Dewqs
FireTrust
Frisk Software
F-Secure
GriSoft
Guildsoft
ICE Graphics
Javacool Software
Kaspersky
Kerio
Lavasoft
McAfee
Mike Lin
Mirek's Software
Panda Software
PepiMK Software
PKware
SentryBay
Sophos
SpamBayes
Spamihilator
SpamPal
Steganos
Sygate
Symantec
UltraFunk
Versatech
Webroot
XP-AntiSpy
ZoneLabs  

Website

ComputerCops
Counterexploitation
Net-Integration
OSV Database
SpyChecker
Spyware-Guide
TechiWarehouse
WindowSecurity
 


Outpost - offers additional security issues not covered by other firewalls
Internet Cleansup - iClean - protect your privacy by covering your tracks
Avast! - includes on-demand, on-access, explorer and e-mail scanners
Cookie Monster - handy free utility that will help you manage your cookies
Armor2net - allows you to grant internet access on a per application basis
NOD 32 - fast powerful virus protection for various operating systems
Inboxer - easy to use spam filtering add-on for use with Outlook only
Stinger - a free standalone utility for removing specific common viruses
BartWare - free personal firewall that can allow apps internet access or not
WinPatrol - sniff out nasty "mysteryware" that may attack your computer
BitDefender - has a nice and simple interface making it easy to use
Vexira - excellent anti-virus software which is very fast and compact
ClamWin - Open source free virus scanner toolkit for Windows users
SpamNet - another Outlook add-on filter that checks and sorts messages
eTrust EZ - award-winning virus protection for your personal computer
Password Corral - popular free password manager with strong encryption
BHODemon - guards your PC against unwanted "browser helper objects"
No More Spam - available as both a standalone utility or Outlook plug-in
MailWasher Pro - sort through your mail with powerful filtering methods
F-Prot - multiple-OS anti-virus solutions for home and corporate users
Internet Security - powerful combination of both firewall plus anti-virus
AVG Professional - value for money with decent selection of features
BlackICE Defender - one of the better intrusion detection systems
ICE Encrypt - a nice free and easy to use file/folder encryption tool
SpywareBlaster - helps protect you by placing "kill bits" in the Registry
Kaspersky - another good overall choice offering an easy to use interface
Kerio - plenty of features but probably aimed at more experienced users
Ad-aware - everyone should get the free version or upgrade for more features
McAfee VirusScan - one of the most popular packages for home users
Startup CPL - Startup Monitor - keep an eye on what programs run at startup
PINs - store your information securely with this open source package
Panda Titanium - fairly basic but will offer you a good level of protection
Spybot : Search & Destroy - essential free package with very fast scanning
Securezip - secure your zip files using advanced encryption techniques
ViraLock - encrypts Outlook addresses to prevent you passing-on a virus
Sophos - a leading developer of anti-virus solutions for business users
SpamBayes - free open source plug-in for Outlook that you train yourself
Spamihilator - another top-rated tool that will help you sort through the junk
SpamPal - utility to help you separate the spam from your real messages
Safe - encrypts upto 128 GB in real time to ensure your data is kept safe
Sygate - good intrusion detection but more suitable for advanced users
Norton Internet Security - quality package from a well-established developer
Popcorn - check and remove unwanted messages without downloading them
Spam-Aid - free POP3 utility for deleting mail from unknown senders
Spy Sweeper - removes traces of trojans, adware, keyloggers and more
XP-AntiSpy - handy free utility to help you disable some WinXP settings
ZoneAlarm - very popular free version or Pro edition with extra features 

Forums Where You Can Find More Help

Extensive website with loads of helpful info and very good forums
Another very useful site which will help you be more aware of security risks
Excellent forums which cover security software, attack details and more
Independent and open source database highlighting key vunerability issues
Find and download all kinds of security utilities which have been tested here
Provides an all inclusive and updated resource on spyware applications
The forums cover many different subjects but includes a security section
Well-designed site which is packed with plenty of security-related info
 


Security Overview : It is more important than ever to ensure that you take all reasonable precautions when connecting your computer to the internet. There are new threats emerging practically every week, from virus attachments received in your e-mails, to spyware that can compromise your private data. I strongly recommend that you use a firewall plus anti-virus program, along with a suitable anti-spyware utility in order to protect your system from harmful attacks.

It is also essential that you keep upto-date with the latest patches and updates for all your software, including the Operating System itself. So make sure that you check for new releases on a regular basis and install them right away.

Even with the best protection there is no guarantee that something nasty won't slip past you sometimes, so it is important that you keep posted with the latest news regarding security issues. If you suspect that your system has been infected somehow then visit the forums (try using a "clean" computer though) and search for more information. If you can't find any details of your problem then try posting your questions there for further help.

Which Software Should I Use? : The above list only represents a fraction of the security utilities that are currently available, so it can be difficult to know which solutions are best for you. If you are just starting out then it may be a good idea to invest in an "integrated" package which contains anti-virus, firewall and other protection. This will get you up and running quickly and may be easier than maintaining utilities from different sources.

If you are unsure about what developers to buy from then you may want to go with one of the more well-known ones to begin with. Then you should be confident of reasonable support and regular updates. When you become more familiar with security software then you can explore advanced solutions offered by other vendors.

Although it can be wise to install more than one product from each category, please be aware that anything which includes a "system monitor" or "guard" will be likely to conflict with similar products. So never attempt to run more than ONE firewall at a time, and if you install multiple anti-virus packages then make sure ONLY one of them has the system guard enabled, otherwise you will experience problems.

If your funds are tight and you can't afford to purchase the expensive commercial versions then there are various free and cut-down editions available aimed at the home user, for non-commercial use. While they may be more limited in features it's a good way to get started and some protection is better then none at all.