So you enjoy looking at porno sites like the other 28,258 users that are looking at it right now! Whatever you may call it...porno, pornography, consenting Adult content or down right XXX website material you do have to make sure you are protected (much like real sex) before you enter these sites. Whether free or membership based, our research has shown that many of these adult sites are free of spyware and malware however many of them aren't. If your computer is constantly getting zapped with spy ware, viruses and mal ware here is some help to prevent it from happening again.

If you've spent any amount of time previewing adult pay and free xxx sites, you've probably wasted at least a few hours removing adware, malware (malicious software) or spyware from your computer. Generally speaking, adware creates targeted pop-up ads, while spyware monitors and tracks your online movements. And once either type of software takes root in a system, loosening its grip can be a time-consuming and frustrating process.

The good news is that there are ways to avoid these and other forms of undesirable software. Below are 10 tips for safe adult site browsing and keeping adware and spyware at bay.

1. Keep a firewall running at all times.

A firewall allows you to control both incoming and outgoing traffic and protects a computer from the Internet's many threats, namely hackers and other intruders who want to break into your network. A firewall can also prevent malicious software from installing itself on your computer or network.

The size of your network and the general savvy of your users will determine whether you install personal firewall software -- such as ZoneAlarm Free Firewall -- on each desktop or implement network-based hardware that requires minimal user interaction.

2. Promptly install all Windows updates.

Hackers and other unscrupulous individuals are constantly finding ways to exploit security flaws in Windows. Microsoft closes these holes in its operating systems by frequently releasing patches and prompting users to install them. Ignoring these messages can leave a machine vulnerable to malicious invaders.

3. Use an anti-spyware tool with real-time protection.

Many free and commercial anti-spyware applications offer real-time protection via a module that constantly runs in the background and monitors your computer for unwanted software installations. (Think of it as a system watchdog.) Whenever a piece of adware or spyware attempts to install itself on your machine or alter your browser settings, the anti-spyware application will alert you, provide information about the threat, and allow you to block it.

Free applications with this feature include Microsoft Windows Defender , Tenebril SpyCatcher Express , and BillP Studios WinPatrol . If you have the budget for an anti-spyware application, test out options like Webroot SpySweeper or Zone Labs ZoneAlarm Anti-Spyware (both are $30 for a one-year subscription).

Real-time anti-spyware protection is also available in many popular security suites, including Norton 360   and McAfee Internet Security Suite .

While spyware is currently not as prevalent on Macintosh/Imac or Linux operating systems, anti-spyware products for these platforms also exist.

4. Don't open attachments or click links in emails from strangers.

The adage about taking candy from strangers also applies to opening attachments from those you don't know. Many types of viruses spread via email attachments, and the same is true with spyware. Hopefully, your organization has an anti-spam solution in place, which will drastically reduce the amount of potentially suspicious messages that end up in users' in-boxes. Still, it's important to remind those on your network not to open attachments from strangers or those that end in .EXE, .PIF, or .COM, regardless of who sent it.

5. Only download software from a trusted source.

The allure of free software can be quite seductive, but you might end up paying in other ways. Many developers, such as those who produce file-sharing programs, make their money by bundling adware or spyware with free products. Warn users to be particularly wary of "fun" freebies such as screensavers, emoticons, and games. Before downloading anything from an Adult Internet Site, it's crucial to scrutinize the Web site's privacy policy (usually located near the bottom of the page), keeping an eye out for questionable or suspicious words and phrases -- such as "banner ads" and "third-party software" -- that might indicate the presence of adware or spyware.

6. Give Web Filtering software a try.

Web-filtering and monitoring software such as NetNanny can block sites by specific URL , keywords, or subject matter (though these may inadvertently block sites that are not adult-themed as well). In addition to Netnanny there is also CyberSitter, Cyber Patrol and a quick google search for internet filtering software will help you find the rest.

7. Avoid using file-sharing programs.

Anyone can upload any type of document or program to peer-to-peer file-sharing networks such as LimeWire and Mopheus. As a result, some unsavory types use peer-to-peer networks to hide spyware, viruses, and other harmful programs inside seemingly innocuous files such as MP3 s or photos. We highly advise against using any of these programs such as Kazaa, Torrents and Limewire, these are known havens for trojans, malware and spyware.

8. Don't click pop-up ads.

There's no disputing that pop-up ads are annoying, and it can be tempting to close them by any means possible -- especially when you're hit with a barrage of them. Unfortunately, some sneaky spyware purveyors surreptitiously install unwanted software any time a user clicks a pop-up ad. Spyware vendors have also been known to switch the "Yes" and "No" buttons found in some pop-up ads to trick users who are trying to abort a software installation. Always close pop-ups by clicking the small X in the ad's upper-right corner. And if you seek an even more foolproof method, try to shut down all suspicious-looking ads via Windows' Task Manager. (If you're using Windows, simply hit the Control + Alt + Delete keys, click the Task Manager button, go to Applications, and hit the End Task button to shut down any unsavory programs.)

9. Always read end-user license agreements.

Before users install a piece of software, they will likely see an end-user license agreement ( EULA ) that details the terms and conditions of using the program. Generally speaking, EULAs are long and contain a lot of legal wording, causing many people to skip them. However, EULAs often disclose the presence of bundled adware or spyware, though the developer does not usually make this information prominent. Some software vendors will even give the user the option to decline bundled spyware by unchecking a box. You might also find it worthwhile to install Javacool Software's EULAlyzer , which analyzes user-license agreements and flags suspicious words and phrases.

10. Surf with a fox.

Because it uses ActiveX controls -- a Microsoft technology that allows a Web browser to access other programs -- Internet Explorer is particularly susceptible to spyware-based hijacks. And once spyware has invaded Internet Explorer, it can be very difficult to repair the browser without reinstalling the entire operating system.

Since Mozilla's open-source browser Firefox doesn't offer ActiveX controls by default (though plug-ins are available), it's considered a more secure Web-surfing choice. As the browser becomes more popular, industry experts believe it could be subject to more attacks. Experts also believe that that Firefox's built-in pop-up blocker is more effective than Internet Explorer's, which will help reduce the amount of potentially troublesome ads that your users see.

Spyware and adware can be a nuisance, but you and your organization's computers don't have to suffer needlessly. If you equip your organization's machines with the right software and train your users to practice smart Web surfing, you have an excellent chance of keeping spyware, adware, and other privacy-compromising software off of your network. Moreover, you'll save time and resources that you can spend on something more useful -- like saving the world.

Some recent emails and comments regarding safety and security when browsing Adult content.

From Mike:do this buy a second computer for around $50 put win 98se IE ver6 sp1
128mb ram do not network this computer install pop up cop a virus scanner nod 32 fire wall make sure you up date these
i have two computers one for internet and the other for what ever that one does not go on the net. Just use your bad computer to do the porno hunting.

From Alan: I use norton systemworks goback feature, which has always worked just fine in getting rid of any junk downloads.

From Pat: I am combining all of the above.
Get KAV at www.kaspersky.com and for god sakes don't get VET, not for the type of sites you are visiting (Use "Extended database").
Get adaware
get spybot S&D, use "Immunize" function AND "teatimer" within spybot.
Get Firefox, disable Java when visiting naughty sites
Use restricted account.
Get Zone alarm Pro-OS Firewall is GREAT
Test at www.grc.com
Turn Preview of in outlook
turn on plain text viewing in outlook (No code can be run)
This will keep you pretty safe.
You can use a different computer, if you don't, at least backup everything commonly and make sure no one else uses the comp that is going to be used for what you say you are going to visit .

From Neil: I have a-awear,spyboot,spy sweeper, zone alarm security suite and a few others.this is the only one that found anything.Xoftspy found 22 and more secret-crush browser hijackC:program files\deskyop messeng threat and secret-crush folder.I let someone use the pc while I went some place.That is how all this got on my pc. I use -mozilla firefor, or it would be worse.They know nothing of firefox,Igot a list of the porn sites,also the spy wear. now I am having a time getting it off. I may just take all off and get a new hard drive.I learn the hard way. xoftspy is very good.You can down load it but to take all the things off you have to buy the soft wear.($39.99) not sure of the price. It works.

From Jimmy:It's VERY simple:
2. Disable ActiveX in Internet Explorer (add microsoft.com to Trusted Zones for updates).
1. Disable preview in Outlook Express.

That all folks

From Alex: If you're using Windows XP, create a user account without Administrator privileges. Log off your Administrator account and log in using your limited account when surfing the internet. Programs will have a hard time installing if you're not logged in as the administrator.

From Judy: AdAware WILL get rid of dialers..but only if you have the latest version and you should always "check for updates" before you scan.


Both AdAware and Spybot can be used (but not at the same time)...and both need to have the latest reference files before you scan.

Zone Alarm is a very good (Free) firewall. I have found though, that if you use Zone Alarm, it is a good idea to disable the onboard firewall in XP. It only blocks incoming traffic, and can cause conflicts with ZA.

From Ric: Use Mozilla firefox...so far as i'm aware,many of the IE hijacking crap targets known exploits within IE.


I've found that using Mozilla protects me from having my browser hijacked(so far).

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