Spyware and Security

I got many reports about redirecting and popup consoles lately. Most surfers of my web sites have been visiting my sites for years, you know my sites are clean and no such dirty tricks. When you see redirecting and popups, you are infected by spyware (virus) from other adult sites.

I have popups when I visit any websites?

Chances are that your host file has been hacked.
Windows 98/Me: c:\windows\hosts
Windows 2000: c:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
Windows XP: c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

Open hosts with notepad, you should see nothing or just 127.0.0.1 localhost
Delete everything else.

I see popups and download dialers on certain domains/galleries?

You have spyware installed on your machine. 
They install spyware on your PC through ActiveX controls, or you installed some software or toolbar (especially adult toolbar such as xxxtoolbar) from untrustworthy sources.

If you use WindowsXP, the easy way to remove it is to restore your system back to the good old date, such as a week or a month.
Start > Help and Support > System Restore
There are many anti-spyware available on download.com, I heard that many webmasters say that Spybot Search & Destroy is good.

My homepage and search have been hijacked?

It's very easy to change visitor's homepages, add unwanted bookmarks and search engines by placing a piece of JavaScript on their websites.
Tools > Internet Options, you can change your homepage address to any page you want.

Tips:

1. Always keep your system and browser updated by visiting Microsoft's website:
   Tools > Windows Update

2. Use Netscape, or Mozilla FireFox. They both have build-in popup blockers.

3. If still using IE, download and install Google Toolbar to block popups

4. Install Firewall, such as Zone Alarm. 

5. Upgrade your Windows to XP so you can restore your system with ease, or just use Mac

If you have any tips to share, feel free to contact me