The following is presented in response to a comment made by one of my friends on another social networking site.

In part, she queried, What about those that can't afford to get internet security & download free programs to protect themselves the best way they know how? Is there a safe website you can go, to get internet security?... We all know the threats are out there, but what programs or internet security can one use to better protect themselves against such threats? Sometimes downloading free software is not safe either...

My reply: Thanks for your comments, but it isn't business people alone who need protection. And the cybercriminals know this! That's one of the reasons they give away nicely packaged "free" software disguised as toolbars, screensavers, and thousand of other "freebies" .It may be free to you, but it's loaded with their spyware that will more than likely cost you the expenses of repairing your virus-infected pc.

Correction to her statement: "Sometimes downloading free software is not safe either..." Downloading free software is NEVER safe.

Just like going online takes a subscription to your local ISP (Internet Servcie Provider) for either dial-up, cable, or DSL service, so, too, will it be in the near future for the average Internet user to protect himself from these cybercriminals. Before long, the average user will be investing in security subscriptions. (I do now and have not had to worry about a thing.)

Like anything else, if you value your computer and being safe online, then you will need to invest in a quality security service. There's no way around it, thanks to the cunning hackers and cybercriminals! Be careful though, cybercriminals, many out of Russia and the Far East, will sell low-cost or give away their free "security protection" software. Again, this is a smokescreen to get inside your computer.

Just like you have to buy gas to make your car run, or insurance to keep it running legally, so, too, you will have to do when it comes to protecting your id, your personal information, and most importantly, your family. This is the only way to stop hackers and cybercriminals.

Note: At the end of this blog, there is a link to an online PDF document.

Unwanted advertising software or "adware" has evolved from an annoyance into a serious threat to the future of Internet.

Why? Every day, thousands of Internet users are duped into downloading adware programs they neither want nor need. Once installed, the programs bog down the computers' normal functions, deluging users with pop-up advertisements, creating privacy and security risks, and generally diminishing the quality of the online experience.

Some users simply give up on the Internet altogether after their computers are rendered useless by the installation of dozens of unwanted programs.

Although it may be somewhat disguised, it's happening on MySpace, too!

To read an 11-page PDF report about adware's 'Dirty Little Secret', go to: www.CDT.org/