How to Stop Your Children from Installing Spyware and Viruses on Their Computers

How to Stop Your Children from Installing Spyware and Viruses on Their Computers

Spyware and computer viruses frequently target older children and teenagers. This is a result of their frequent visits to websites that distribute computer viruses or contain malware. Therefore, it's very likely that viruses and spyware are living on your computer if you share it with your children.

It's crucial to teach your kids how to stay away from computer viruses and spyware in order to stop future invasions and potential computer crashes.


1. Stay away from peer-to-peer sharing. Similar to how human viruses spread through interpersonal contact, computer viruses spread from one machine to another, frequently through peer-to-peer file sharing. Thus, it is imperative that you teach your children not to utilize these programs. Grokster and Kazaa are two peer-to-peer file-sharing programs that have been found to contain harmful information. Purchased versions of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs are free of malware, adware, and spyware, so try to get them.

2. Steer clear of lyrics and music websites. A lot of these websites often require you to download ActiveX control in order to access their content. If you stop to think about it, reading music lyrics has nothing to do with ActiveX control because they are simply texts. To make matters worse, malware can quickly infiltrate and cause you trouble because children are unaware of the risks involved in downloading such programs from these sources.

3. Refrain from clicking on pop-ups, banners, and advertisements that appear on websites. Kids frequently ask for viruses, adware, and malware to be installed on their computers. The unfortunate thing is that children don't realize their actions are what attract these malevolent programs. Telling them not to ever click on any internet banners, advertisements, or popups is the right thing to do.

4. Avoid downloading attachments from unsolicited emails. Children want to open their emails. However, if they come from unidentified senders, malware, spyware, or adware can be present. Inform them that they will never, ever download attachments without your consent.

5. Give your children restricted internet accounts. Whether your children use a computer with you or have their own in their room, keep their accounts "limited" so that you, the administrator, can monitor what your children can and cannot do.

Keep in mind that it is your duty to warn your children about the risks that these threats pose. 

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