Most home PC users are often not aware of the ‘bots’, ‘tracking cookies’, ’spyware’, and other cyber pests that can exist on their systems. Some are harmless whilst some variants can cause unexpected behavior, and at worst defraud the user of hard earned dollars.

So what are the counter measures to combat such threats?

	Patch your system with the latest patches.
	Install a personal firewall.
	Install and keep current anti-virus software and malicious program detectors.
	Safe email practices.

Here is a list of websites¹ that offer software that may help you combat threats.

Anti-Spyware Scanner
	Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal
	Spybot Search & Destroy
	PC Tools Spyware Doctor
Antivirus Scanner
	Trend Micro Antivirus (Special Credit Union Member offer)
	AVG Anti Virus Free
Software Firewall
	Microsoft Windows Firewall
	PC Tools Firewall

Furthermore, you could visit your local PC dealer or electrical superstore, which sell a large range of security solutions. Other excellent resources are The Green Guide in Thursday’s ‘The Age’ newspaper and www.cnet.com.

1.Victoria Teachers Credit Union does not endorse any of these services and shall not be responsible for the content of any other site accessed via Victoria Teachers Credit Union’s website. These sites are listed for information purposes only. Victoria Teachers Credit Union will not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred by using any service, product or solution provided by these companies.

Any questions or issues you have about the software should be directed to the vendor. It is your responsibility to ascertain the suitability of the software and you will need to read the software and licensing terms and conditions before purchasing and/or downloading the software. Any information provided on the vendor’s website will be subject to the vendor’s privacy policy which Victoria Teachers Credit Union are not liable to you for any loss or damage you suffer as a result of you using the vendor's website and/or any other third party or disclosure of your information to the vendor or any other third party. We do not receive any commissions or fees from the sale of this product.

WARNING: Not all PCs have the capacity to run some of these software solutions. You should have a minimum of 256MB of memory, and be running WindowsXP operating system. If you have any doubts, many of the software solutions stated can easily be uninstalled if they have a detrimental impact on the performance of your PC. No software can protect you and your computer from all forms of threats, contamination, viruses, frauds and Trojans. It is also your responsibility to ensure your software is up-to-date.