Caution: If you're surfing online and you get a pop-up warning you that you may have spyware on your computer and offering to remove it or protect you from spyware, it's most likely bogus. Most of those types of pop-ups are actually spyware themselves. DO NOT download anything or click in these windows requesting more information. Close them.

If you do not have a pop-up stopper, either press alt+F4 or control+W, which closes the current window, or press the escape button which stops the page from loading. Some of the pop-ups are very persistent. If worse comes to worse, give it the three finger salute - press control+alt+delete simultaneously to bring up your task manager and close the window that way.

If you're not familiar with a program you want to try, run a google search for spyware. Type the name of the program followed by the word spyware and check the results that come up. Never open files from people you don't know and scan the file with an anti-virus program even if you do know who sent it to you. There are links below to free anti-virus programs if you can't afford one. You need to keep yourself protected, use common sense and don't panic.

Please note: I use the term spyware to categorize these types of parasites. There are actually several different types of spyware, such as adware, malware, trojans, worms, etc. Listed below are links to help you learn about spyware...what it is and how to prevent it, as well as links to numerous free programs to help keep your computer clean of spyware and to remove it if you're already infected.

The Ten Net Commandments courtesy of Spyware Info.

Thou shalt not buy merchandise found in pop-up ads or spam.
Thou shalt not post thy email address, phone number, address or social security number to the internet, nor shalt thou post anyone else's.
Thou shalt not forget to update thy Windows every second Tuesday.
Thou shalt not connect to the internet without installing an antivirus, nor shalt thou begin a scan without checking for updates.
Thou shalt not connect to the internet without installing a firewall.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's credit card number, nor his bank routing number, nor his social security number.
Thou shalt not enter thy credit card number without seeing the tiny padlock icon on thy status bar.
Thou shalt not reply to the email from the Nigerian banker.
Thou shalt not forward chain letters to thy friends and family.
Thou shalt not use "password" as thy password, nor thy birthday, nor thy children's names.

Spyware information and resource sites, links to programs and tools to fight spyware including Anti-phishing toolbars and Identity theft and fraud aid and resources

Spyware information and resource sites

Spyware Info - Information about spyware and how to protect your privacy - http://www.spywareinfo.com/ - several free programs to fight spyware as well

CallingID: Know who you are dealing with on the internet - a free toolbar that verifies that a site is safe before you send personal data - http://www.callingid.com/Default.aspx

When vendors install malware - If you installed Sony music CD's on your computer you need to read this - http://www.eweek.com/article2/0%2C1895%2C1881592%2C00.asp

Sony DRM Uses Rootkit Techniques - http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1880543,00.asp

Computer Associates Spyware Information Center - http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/pest/

PC Pitstop Spyware Center - http://www.pcpitstop.com/spycheck/default.asp

Langa letter: 5 essential steps to PC security - http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=177100010

Adware.info - Adware Spyware software quick reference - http://www.adware.info/

Security at home: Spyware - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx

Spyware Warrior - Rogue/Suspect Anti-spyware products and websites - http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm - Excellent spyware information site with lots of information and programs to fight spyware

IC3 - Internet Crime Complaint Center - http://www.ic3.gov/

Top 10 tricks causing spyware epidemic (2005) - http://blogs.zdnet.com/Spyware/?p=729&tag=nl.e539

Look in my pc - Free PC Profile, Audit, and Diagnostic Report Utility - An awesome tool for getting information from your computer - http://www.lookinmypc.com/ - from the the creators of CyberSitter

Browser security test - test your browser's security now - http://bcheck.scanit.be/bcheck/

Anti-Spyware Products Compared - http://spywarewarrior.com/asw-test-guide.htm

Lavasoft - Protect your privacy - http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ - AdAware SE Personal - free for personal use

Spybot Search & Destroy (Spybot S&D) - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home - Freeware/donationware

TRUSTe - Make Privacy Your Choice - http://www.truste.org/

idiotabroad.com - CD's affected by the Sony-BMG spyware - http://www.idiotabroad.com/2005/11/cds-affected-by-the-sony-bmg-spyware/

Network Traffic Monitor from Nico Cuppen Software - free (Win XP and 2003 only) - shows you which processes in your machine are causing TCP/IP network traffic lots more - http://www.nicocuppen.com/product.php?prodinfoID=15&prodID=11 - also has lots of other software too

Secunia - Vulnerability Report - Microsoft Windows XP Professional - http://secunia.com/product/22/

Net-Integration Forums -> Spybot Search & Destroy 1.X - help with Spybot Search & Destroy - http://forums.net-integration.net/index.php?s=c79da88533a747a906b99d6b2f7ff512&showforum=28

Spyware Info - Adware removal and detection information by Webroot.com - http://www.webroot.com/spywareinformation/

PC Hell: Spyware and Adware Removal Help - http://www.pchell.com/support/spyware.shtml/

StopBadware.org - regaining control of our computers - (from the site) Badware is a term we use to encompass the broad range of malicious software that is sneaking onto people's computers, including spyware and deceptive adware - http://www.stopbadware.org/

SiteAdvisor.com - SiteAdvisor helps protect you from all kinds of Web-based security threats including spyware, adware, spam, viruses, browser-based attacks, phishing, online fraud and identity theft - http://www.siteadvisor.com/

Full-Disclosure info page - an unmoderated mailing list for the discussion of security issues - https://lists.grok.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/full-disclosure

Report Spam - The network abuse clearinghouse - http://www.abuse.net/howwork.html

Find out who’s sending you spam - http://lax.us.spam.abuse.net/userhelp

Get net wise - information on keeping yourself safe online - http://www.getnetwise.org/

Doxdesk.com: Parasite - http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/

Center for Democracy & Technology - http://www.cdt.org/privacy/spyware/

W32.blackmal@mm virus removal tool from Symantec (makers of Norton Anti-Virus) - http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blackmal@mm.removal.tool.html

CyberHawk by Novatix: Intelligent zero-day security technology - protection against viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, intruders and other threats - free (still in beta too, so use with caution) - http://www.novatix.com/cyberhawk/

Spyware Killer: Stop personal identity theft - http://www.spywarekiller.net/spyware_chart.html

Spyware Watch (UK) - spyware, adware, stealware - Stay aware! - http://www.spyware.co.uk/

Sunbelt Spyware Research Center - http://research.sunbelt-software.com/WhatYouShouldKnow.cfm

PC Help Mobile - find and eliminate spyware - http://ralphcaddell.com/pchelp/spyware.htm

Spyware information page - http://www.morris.umn.edu/cs/spyware/

Spyware information from Answers.com - http://www.answers.com/topic/spyware

Temple University Computer and Information Services - http://www.temple.edu/cs/security/spyware/

Kalamazoo College Spyware Information Page - http://www.kzoo.edu/is/sysnet/network/security/spywareintro.shtml

ActionNet - Spyware information - http://www.actionnet.net/spyware.htm

Top ten reviews - Anti-Spyware Software Review - http://www.anti-spyware-review.toptenreviews.com/spyware/spyware.html

Virus and Spyware Information - http://www.computerdepot.com.au/virusinfo.htm

Counterexploitation (cexx.org) - A site devoted to fighting spam and adware - http://www.cexx.org/

Adware, Spyware and Advertising Trojans - Info & Removal Procedures - http://cexx.org/adware.htm

Anti Spam Software & Internet Filters Blog - Securence - http://securence.blogs.com/1/spyware/

Spycop.com Spyware Information - http://www.spycop.com/Spyware-Information.html

Spywaredata.com - Spyware identification and information - http://www.spywaredata.com/

Woodside Hole Oceanographic Institution - WHIT: Spyware, How to detect and remove it - http://www.whoi.edu/committees/WHIT/Archive/spyware-info.html

DoShelp.com - Security/Privacy Tools, Trojan, Spyware, Popup blockers & Fraud Protection - http://www.doshelp.com/

How to stop spyware/adware - http://www.2learn.ca/comtech/spyware/spyware.html

University of New Hampshire Computing and Information Services - http://www.unh.edu/helpdesk/ad_index.html

Inside spyware: A guide to finding, removing and preventing adware, spyware and online pests - http://www.intranetjournal.com/spyware/

PC911 - Friendly Computer Help in Plain English - http://www.pcnineoneone.com/howto/spyware1.html

Explaining spyware: detect, find, remove - http://www.homenethelp.com/web/explain/spyware.asp

Spyware information, cleaning and database - http://spywareinfo.surasoft.com/

Analyze startup programs - A-spy - http://vipmeister.com/dl/aspy/aspy.html - free - from the site: This program shows all known ways to start some application during Windows startup process and logging. It's possible to add/delete/edit entries, move them from one place to another. Access rights are considered at NT/2000 platforms. Supports all Windows platforms. 17 ways how to detect possible trojans, hiding in the startup entries

Process Patrol - freeware for controlling spyware and adware processes - http://www.processpatrol.com/

In Controls MSConfig CleanUp utility - free - remove disabled items from MSConfig - http://www.get-in-control.com/msconfig-cleanup/

FileMap - free - find phantom files left behind after uninstalling software or malicious files picked up from the internet - http://www.dogkennels.net/filemap/

US-CERT Cyber Security Tip ST04-016 - Recognizing and avoiding spyware - http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-016.html

Malware: what it is and how to prevent it: Page 1 - http://arstechnica.com/articles/paedia/malware.ars

Spy-Buster.com - Adware and Spyware Detection and Removal - http://www.spy-buster.com/spywareinfo.htm

Safety, Protecting your personal information online - spyware - http://www.wiredsafety.org/safety/personal_information_safety/spyware/

Spyware News - http://www.topix.net/tech/spyware

Anti-Spy: Find spyware and trojans - http://www.anti-spy.info/

Sysinternals.com - some of the best free programs for helping identify and remove spyware and loads of excellent information. Free programs include: Autoruns - identify applications that have configured themselves to start at login and see where autostart applications might be in your system; Process Explorer - shows information about which handles and DLL processes are opened or loaded, and stop or remove them, and; RootKitRevealer – can reveal rootkits and hidden software used by hackers and crooks. Definitely worth checking out - http://www.sysinternals.com/

SpywareManagement.org - Independent, Interactive, Informative - http://spywaremanagement.org/

Home PC Firewall guide - http://www.firewallguide.com/

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) Home - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

A-squared software - http://www.emsisoft.com/ - free programs include a-squared free and a-squared HiJackFree. Paid version of a-squared Anti-Malware personal edition includes real-time monitoring and IDS (intrusion detection software). Malware scanners for trojans, worms, dialers, and spyware/adware.

SpyWare Nuker: Adware and Spyware Removal - http://www.nuker.com/

WinPatrol 8.1.2.0 - VersionTracker - http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/win/23845

Prevx Home - http://www.prevx.com/prevxhome.asp - intrusion detection software - home version is free for personal use

Javacool Software - http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/ - programs include spyware blaster and spyware guard as well as a couple of other excellent programs - freeware/donationware

Free online Trojan Scanner - Scan your system for Trojans - http://www.windowsecurity.com/trojanscan/

VCatch Home Page - http://www.vcatch.com/home.html - virus detection software

Hackerwhacker firewall tester, security news, free security scan - http://hackerwhacker.com/

SwatIt.Org the Home of the best freeware Bot Trojan and Worm Scanner! - http://swatit.org/

Air Defense - http://www.airdefense.net/ - The leader in Enterprise Wireless Security

The Honeynet Project - http://www.honeynet.org/ - from the site - To learn the tools, tactics and motives involved in computer and network attacks and share the lessons learned

Internet Security Systems Wireless LAN Security FAQ's - http://www.iss.net/wireless/WLAN_FAQ.php - Wireless LAN (local area network) 802.11b Security FAQ (frequently asked questions)

WarDriving.com - http://www.wardriving.com/ - Information on protecting your computer from wardriving

Trend Micro - Free online virus Scan - Scan Now - http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

Trend Micro, Incorporated - Weekly Virus Report - http://www.trendmicro.com/en/security/report/overview.htm

eicar - Anti-Virus test file - http://www.eicar.org/anti_virus_test_file.htm

Free Removal Tools - BitDefender (AVX - AntiVirus eXpert) Antivirus Suite - http://www.bitdefender.com/html/free_tools.php

Eset Home - http://www.nod32.com/home/home.htm

BrowserSpy - http://www.gemal.dk/browserspy/spy.html - Tells you detailed information about your browser

SamSpade.org - http://www.samspade.org/ - numerous free online look up and query tools.

URLomatic - http://www.samspade.org/t/url.cgi - check out internet addresses

Spyware Free Spy Software Blocking Tool - http://www.spywareguide.com/blockfile.php

Spychecker - download spyware removal and Internet privacy tools - http://www.spychecker.com/

Examples of links that lie - http://www.michaelhorowitz.com/linksthatlie.html

Stop Internet Abuse! Protect your computer from hackers, spammers, fraudsters - http://www.celticsurf.net/webscape/abuse.html

Information week: essential tools for every pc - http://www.forums.informationweek.com/jive3/thread.jspa?threadID=300050942&tstart=0

Fighting back - information and links to help fight spyware - http://home.mchsi.com/~museheart/fight.html

Prevention guide: detecting and removing rootkits in Windows - http://searchwindowssecurity.techtarget.com/tip/1,289483,sid45_gci1086476,00.html

Senderbase.org - http://www.senderbase.org/ - email traffic monitoring network - obtain information about the owners of the networks carrying spam and links to abuse discussion groups, etc.

CAUCE - http://www.cauce.org/ - The Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email

FoundStone.Com - http://www.foundstone.com/ - Free security tools. Click on the ‘resources’ link at the top of the page and the free tools are on the left.

BitDefender.com - http://www.bitdefender.com/ - free and paid antivirus tools

WinSockXPFix - http://tntmax.com/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=61&func=selectcat&cat=2 - to help repair lost internet connections (winsock settings)

LSPFix - http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm - A tool to help repair winsock 2 settings (similar to WinsockXPFix)

Internet Explorer Restrictions - free program from CamTech 2000 that prevents the changing of your home page - http://camtech2000.net/Pages/Restrictions.htm

Pretty good privacy Desktop 9 beta - free and paid encryption software - http://www.pgp.com/products/freeware.html

Where to Complain about Spam, Website Frauds, Scams etc. - http://www.elsop.com/wrc/complain.htm

Anti-Phishing Working Group - Committed to wiping out internet scams and fraud. - http://www.antiphishing.org/report_phishing.html

TeMerc Internet Countermeasures Forum - http://temerc.com/phpBB2/

Alliance of Security Analysis Professionals - http://asap.maddoktor2.com/

Auditmypc.com - Firewall Test, Port Scan and Internet Security made easy - Spy Ware Audit and Tools - http://www.auditmypc.com/

Free Firewall Software. Block Intrusion Attempts. Online Security Scans etc. - http://www.passtheshareware.com/c-firewall.htm

PCWorld.com Online Security - http://www.pcworld.com/resource/browse/0,cat,1553,sortIdx,1,pg,1,00.asp

SecurityFocus Home Page - http://www.securityfocus.com/

Shields UP! - Internet Vulnerability Profiling - https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Symantec Security Check - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

How a Firewall Provides Network Security by Stephen Bucaro - http://bucarotechelp.com/networking/95091702.asp

PC World Spyware Help Center - http://find.pcworld.com/46694

SpyBlocs 6.0 - http://www.eblocs.com/pcworld

Net Stumbler - free - http://www.netstumbler.com/

Security videos from Microsoft - free - you can download them or watch them on line - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/videos/default.mspx

Dot Con - The FTC's top 10 list of internet cons - from updatexp.com - http://www.updatexp.com/dot-con.html

Vmyths.com - Truth about computer virus myths and hoaxes - http://www.vmyths.com/

Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Information Security - http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/infosecurity/resources.html

SecureRoot Computer Security Resource - http://www.secureroot.com/

Topix.net - Computer security news - http://www.topix.net/tech/computer-security

Super Scan 4 - free - powerful TCP port scanner, pinger, resolver - http://www.foundstone.com/index.htm?subnav=resources/navigation.htm&subcontent=/resources/proddesc/superscan.htm

Who@ - working to halt online abuse - http://www.haltabuse.org/

Electronics Privacy Information Center - http://www.epic.org/

Electronic Frontier Foundation - http://www.eff.org/

Mailinator - a no sign-up instant anti-spam service - Free - http://www.mailinator.com/

HijackThis - http://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/

A list of programs infected with spyware - http://home.tvd.be/ws36178/security/spylist.html

Malware Help.org - Spyware Removal and Prevention help - http://www.malwarehelp.org/

Free Keylogger Detector - Freeware - Windows 2000 and later - http://dewasoft.com/privacy/kldetector.htm

Surf the internet safely - http://surfthenetsafely.com/

The Security Portal for Information System Security Professionals - http://www.infosyssec.com/

Information on spyware and adware - http://www.simplythebest.net/info/spyware.html

Security software - http://www.securitysoftware.cc/apps.html

The internet tourbus - Get the scoop on computer viruses, search engines, spam, cookies, urban legends, and the most useful sites on the Net - http://www.tourbus.com/

Security Pipeline - http://www.securitypipeline.com/

Database of spyware programs - http://www.spywareguide.com/product_list_full.php

Moosoft development inc. - The cleaner - trojan database search - http://www.moosoft.com/products/cleaner/search/

CastleCops - Windows Security Checklist - http://castlecops.com/article-5541-nested-0-0.html

Small Business Pipeline - Anti-Spyware Strategies, Part 1: Clean out your system - http://www.smallbizpipeline.com/175802146

SANS - Internet storm center - cooperative cyber threat monitor and alert system - http://isc.sans.org/

KL-Detector - detect keylogging activity on your computer - free - http://dewasoft.com/privacy/kldetector.htm

Quick Access Infobar - free - The latest process information directly through Windows Task Manager - http://www.processlibrary.com/quickaccess/

MARA - Mobile (telephone) Antivirus Research Association - http://www.mobileav.org/

Free anonymous surfing, free surfing through a proxy (from thefreecountry.com) - http://www.thefreecountry.com/security/anonymous.shtml

Scandoo.com - (beta) a search engine that automatically scans all search results to protect you from visiting web sites that spread malicious viruses or spyware, and protect you from viewing offensive content - http://www.scandoo.com/

Windows XP security checklist from labmice.net - http://labmice.techtarget.com/articles/winxpsecuritychecklist.htm

Comodo - personal firewall software - (Windows 2000 and XP only) After downloading and installing the firewall, just register with them and you will be sent a free license. After activation, this license will never expire. Other free products include verification engine, anti-virus, anti-spam, backup and a password vault - http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

The 10 biggest security risks you don't know about from PCWorld.com - http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,126083,tk,nl_previewrvw,00.asp

SpyCatcher Express - free spyware removal software from Tenebril.com - http://www.tenebril.com/consumer/spyware/spycatcher-express.php

Ewido (recently purchased by Grisoft, the makers of AVG anti-virus) anti-spyware online scan - (from the site) With the help of our online scanner you can scan and clean your computer from malware without having to install additional software on your computer - http://www.ewido.net/en/onlinescan/

SuperAntiSpyware from SuperAntiSpyware.com - AntiAdware, AntiSpyware, AntiMalware - (from the site) the most thorough scanner on the market. Our Multi-Dimensional Scanning and Process Interrogation Technology will detect spyware that other products miss! SUPERAntiSpyware will remove ALL the Spyware, NOT just the easy ones - http://www.superantispyware.com/index.html

RootKit Hook Analyzer from Resplendence Software - free - Windows 2000, XP and 2003 Server (32 bit editions only) - http://www.resplendence.com/hookanalyzer

PrcView - a free process viewer utility that displays detailed information about processes running on your computer - http://www.teamcti.com/pview/prcview.htm

X-rayPC Spyware Remover Process Analyzer from XBlock Systems - free for personal use - http://www.x-raypc.com/

VirusTotal - a free online virus and malware scan - using 23 seperate antivirus products - http://www.virustotal.com/en/indexf.html

AMUST 1-Defender 2.0 - a free security utility for safe internet browsing - http://www.amustsoft.com/1-defender/

Cyberhawk from Novatix - (from the site) Novatix Corporation's Cyberhawk is zero-day security software designed for the average consumer. Cyberhawk protects in real-time against viruses, worms, trojans, buffer overflows, rootkits, and even some spyware. It is designed to be used alongside your current antivirus to protect you between antivirus updates. Because it is behavior-based and not signature-based, Cyberhawk protects against both known and unknown, or zero-day, threats. It is easy to install, painless to use, and immediately effective against today's computer security threats. And best of all, Cyberhawk is free to all home users - http://www.novatix.com/

PC Security Test 2006 - a free program for windows that checks computer security against viruses, spyware and hackers - http://www.pc-st.com/us/

LinkScanner from exploit prevention labs - keep your surfing safe - type in the url you want to check out and LinkScanner will inspect it in real-time to see if there is any malicious code - http://linkscanner.explabs.com/linkscanner/default.asp

MPS Online Registration (for those in the UK) - Mailing Preference Service - (from the site) a free service set up 20 years ago and funded by the direct mail industry to enable consumers to have their names and home addresses in the UK removed from or added to lists used by the industry - http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/mps_choosetype.html

JunkBusters Junk Mail Headlines - How you can gain control of your mailbox (postal mail) - http://www.junkbusters.com/junkmail.html

Browsing the web and reading e-mail safely as an administrator from the Microsoft Security Developer Center - http://msdn.microsoft.com/security/securecode/columns/default.aspx?pull=/library/en-us/dncode/html/secure11152004.asp

vURL webpage dissection service - a free service from Ur I.T. Mate Group that allows you to view the source code within a webpage without having to visit it if you suspect a site has malicious code - http://mysteryfcm.co.uk/?mode=vURL

A desktop version (alpha) of the vURL webpage dissector listed above - http://support.it-mate.co.uk/?mode=Products&p=vurldesktopedition

Temporaryinbox.com - the place where spam dies - A temporary inbox is a free disposable email address, which doesn't require registration and can be used to avoid spam - http://temporaryinbox.com/

Security Overflow - Security's never secure - a nice security software info resource - http://kareldjag.over-blog.com/

System Safety Monitor (SSM) - (from the site) allows you to track down Microsoft Windows operating system activity in real-time and to prevent undesirable actions from various malware and spyware programs. SSM's main goal is to discover and block malicious actions of any application - http://syssafety.com/product.html

Sophos Anti-Rootkit - a free tool to help detect rootkits - http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/sophos-anti-rootkit.html

Arrange Startup - free (from the site) Arrange Startup classifies all of your programs that are executed at startup as system programs, suspicious applications that can be viruses and the programs that are not necessary for startup and helps you remove them from the startup list or add them - Windows NT and above - http://www.smartpctools.com/arrange_startup/index1.html

MalwareTeks - the online computer specialists - dedicated to keeping your pc clean of of malware - http://www.malwareteks.com/news.php

Proxify - a web-based anonymous proxy service which allows anyone to surf the web privately and securely - http://proxify.com/

Spyware rubbernecking - a Youtube.com move from McAfee - if you want to see what a virus attacking your computer can do, watch this carefully - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3atmWmWCwlw&eurl=

Bit9 File Advisor - the best search engine for identifying software files - a comprehensive catalog of executables, drivers and patches found in commercial Windows applications and software packages - discover what the unknown files on your computer actually are - http://fileadvisor.bit9.com/services/search.aspx

SpamCop.net - a free online tool to help prevent and report spam - http://www.spamcop.net/

Scanmetender - Tender security solutions for your computer - a next generation network scanner - http://www.scanmetender.com/

Sandboxie - run programs safely on your computer - http://www.sandboxie.com/

Blink personal edition from eEye Digital Security - intrusion prevention, application and network firewall, identity theft protection and vulnerability assessment too - free for personal use - http://www.eeye.com/html/products/blink/personal/index.html

Email Security Testing Zone - test the security of your email system - http://www.windowsecurity.com/emailsecuritytest/

Tor - a network of virtual tunnels that allows people and groups to improve their privacy and security on the internet - http://www.torproject.org/

All-Internet-Security.com - better resources for better decisions - a great resource for keeping your computer secure - http://www.all-internet-security.com/

The electronic evidence information center - a large list of forensic tools - some freeware and some shareware - http://www.e-evidence.info/other.html

IECacheList lite - a freeware tool to display the contents of Internet Explorer's index.dat files, including lost and hidden content from exodusdev.com - more free tools are also available - http://exodusdev.com/products/internet-explorer-cache-lister

Secunia software inspector - a free tool that runs in your browser to detect outdated software and needed updates - http://secunia.com/software_inspector

PhishTank - join the fight against phishing - report or read about bogus sites or check out all the available resources - http://www.phishtank.com/index.php

Make Password - an easy online password generator that can generate a single random password or lists of hundreds of random passwords - free - http://www.maord.com/

OnGuard Online Identity theft quiz - http://www.onguardonline.gov/quiz/idtheft_quiz.html

NoAdware - NoAdware application keeps away adware and spyware from invading your privacy and security. Defends your identity using shields and multiple other features, updates, guards and alerts - demo / shareware - http://www.deletespyware-adware.com/

KeyScrambler personal (free) from QFX software - KeyScrambler, a web browser plugin, encrypts your keystrokes to protect your important personal information from keyloggers - for Internet Explorer and FireFox (note: doesn't work against hardware keyloggers) - http://www.qfxsoftware.com/products.htm

Arovax Shield - (from the site) detects and notifies you about all major online threats trying to penetrate your system, isolates & blocks them - http://www.arovaxshield.com/

SpyMe tools - (from the site) SpyMe Tools is very useful in detecting Registry and Disk changes. If any application installs spyware, adware, dlls, programs, files, or any other type of file, picture, or program, etc. or changes the Registry's content, you will be able to see exactly where the modification occurred so you can take measures - http://www.lcibrossolutions.com/spyme_tools.htm

File Research Center - free scan to find out what's really running on your pc and to look up information about what's running - http://www.fileresearchcenter.com/

Squsi.com - (from the site) Both sQusi Tracking Blocker and sQusi Plus are free web services that stop companies from tracking you across the web and building profiles of your behavior through tracking cookies, scripts and files - http://www.squsi.com/

Anti Keylogger Shield from Amic Tools - free powerful, easy to use anti-spy software tool that prohibits operation of any keylogger - http://www.amictools.com/v-anti_keylogger_shield.html

AVG Anti-Rootkit free edition - (from the site) powerful tool with state-of-the-art technology for detection and removal of rootkits - http://www.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-rootkit/us/crp/0

Scanit - a web site that tests web browsers for security vulnerabilities - http://www.scanit.be/browser-security-test.html

SecuriKey OSK from GoldenSearch.net - SecuriKey On-Screen Security Keyboard - an on-screen keyboard for you to generate your password to avoid keyloggers - http://www.goldensearch.net/content/downloads/files/SecuriKey/securikey_on-screen-keyboard.php

Security advisor glossary from computer associates - http://www.ca.com/us/securityadvisor/glossary.aspx

Spammer alert - (from the site) a friendly community where we can alert each other of the latest spam threats - http://www.spammeralert.com/

ParentalControl bar - (from the site) a simple, powerful tool to help shield your children from explicit websites - http://www.parentalcontrolbar.org/

Bugnosis from privacy foundation - a web bug detector - free - http://www.bugnosis.org/

StolenID Search - is your Social Security or Credit Card number safe? - search more than 2 million compromised numbers free - http://www.stolenidsearch.com/

Wotsit.org - (from the site) the programmer's file and data format resource. This site contains information on hundreds of different file types, data types, hardware interface details and all sorts of other useful programming information; algorithms, source code, specifications, etc. - http://www.wotsit.org/

GuideScope.com - (from the site) a free (for home use) community-based web navigation service. It works with your browser to help you navigate the web faster, safer, and easier - http://www.guidescope.com/

Trend Protect - (from the site) a free browser plug-in that helps you avoid Web pages with unwanted content and hidden threats - http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/free_security_tools/trendprotect.php

What to do about complaints from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) - (from the site) file a complaint (spam) or provide us with tips on potential securities law violations - http://www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml

Removing Spyware and Adware Help and Tips from MalekTips - Tips on removing spyware as well as prevention techniques. Includes general information and tips for several anti-spyware applications (subscribe to the free newsletter for some other excellent tips) - http://malektips.com/removing_spyware_and_adware_help_and_tips.html

ContentWatch - Internet Filtering Solutions for Business - http://www.contentwatch.com/

Make Windows Invincible - pictorial, step-by-step instructions for locking down the core of your Windows operating system to help prevent malicious programs from launching - http://invincible-windows.blogspot.com/

StaySafe.org - Online safety and security is all about you - (from the site) an educational site intended to help consumers understand both the positive aspects of the Internet as well as how to manage a variety of safety and security issues that exist online. The guidance given on this site is focused on helping consumers understand those issues and how to take steps to prevent or repair their effects - http://www.staysafe.org/

LIEmails - (from the site) When YOU receive a suspicious e-mail, use the resources we've provided, and find out whether there's anything to it - http://www.liemails.com/


Anti-phishing toolbars


Netcraft toolbar - free - for Internet Explorer and Firefox - http://toolbar.netcraft.com/

Earthlink toolbar - free - Internet Explorer only - http://www.earthlink.com/software/free/toolbar

Cloudmark safety bar - free - Internet Explorer only - http://www.cloudmark.com/products/safetybar

Spoofstick - free - for Internet Explorer and Firefox - http://www.corestreet.com/spoofstick

Trustbar - free - Firefox only - http://trustbar.mozdev.org/

Trustwatch Search - tools, toolbars, extensions and more - http://www.trustwatch.com/


Identity theft aids and resources


Federal Trade Commission - http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

Identity Theft Prevention and Survival - http://www.identitytheft.org/

Identity Theft Resource Center - http://www.idtheftcenter.org/

Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) - http://www.ifccfbi.gov/

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - http://www.privacyrights.org/

AnonymitycompleteGUIDE from GovernmentSecurity.org - http://www.governmentsecurity.org/articles/AnonymitycompleteGUIDE.php

Kiss your old SSN goodbye - http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-5708776.html?tag=zdnn.alert

Social Security Administration - http://www.ssa.gov/

U.S. Dept. of Justice Identity Theft and Fraud Information - http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html

U.S. Dept. of State Passport Services - http://www.travel.state.gov/

U.S. Postal Inspection Services - http://www.usps.com/websites/depart/inspect/

U.S. Secret Service - http://www.treas.gov/usss/index.shtml

National Fraud Org - http://www.fraud.org/

Introduction to Identity Theft - The Police Notebook - http://www.ou.edu/oupd/idtheft.htm - (from the site) - Criminals don't always need sawed-off shotguns and ski masks to make a big haul - your social security number, or a pre-approved credit card application from your trash, could be all they need. Learn what happens when someone steals your identity, how you can keep the worst from happening, which official records you should be monitoring to make sure your data's safe, and where to turn if things get ugly.

American Express
https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/home
Card replacement: (800) 992-3404

Bank of America
http://www.bankofamerica.com/
(800) 848-6090

Bank One/Chase
http://www.bankone.com/
Credit Card Services Fraud Operations: (800) 686-5657

Citibank
http://www.citicorp.com/domain/contact
(800) 627-3999

Discover
http://www.discovercard.com/
(800) DISCOVER (347-2683)

MasterCard
http://www.mastercard.com/cgi-bin/emergserv.cgi
(800) MC-ASSIST (622-7747)
To report a lost or stolen credit card - (636) 722-7111

Visa
http://www.usa.visa.com/personal/security/need_help_now.html
(800) 847-2911
(410) 581-9994

Wells Fargo Bank
http://www.wellsfargo.com/help/index.jhtml
(866) 867-5568

Call For Action
http://www.callforaction.org/

Annual Credit Report
http://www.annualcreditreport.com/
(877) 322-8228

Equifax
http://www.equifax.com/
Order report: (800) 685-1111
Fraud alert: (888) 766-0008

Experian
http://www.experian.com/
(888) 397-3742

Trans Union
http://www.transunion.com/
Order report: (800) 888-4213
Fraud alert: (800) 680-7289

Direct Marketing Association Consumer Assistance - To indicate mail preferences
http://www.dmaconsumers.org/

Opt-Out Prescreen - To opt out of pre-approved credit or insurance offers
http://www.optoutprescreen.com/
(888) 567-8688

Certegy - To determine if anyone is writing fraudulent checks on your account
http://www.certegy.com/ContactUs.html#USCONSUMER
(800) 437-5120

Chex Systems - To obtain a consumer report about checking accounts in your name
http://www.consumerdebit.com/consumerinfo/us/en/consumerreports/index.htm
(800) 428-9623

TeleCheck
http://www.telecheck.com/
(800) 710-9898

SCAN - To find out if anyone has written bad checks in your name
(800) 262-7771

Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General - To report fraudulent use of your Social Security card to obtain benefits
http://www.ssa.gov/oig/guidelin.htm
(800) 269-0271

U.S. Postal Inspection Service - To report stolen mail or a fraudulent address change
http://www.usps.com/websites/depart/inspect/fraud/welcome.htm