Why do our computers keep getting spyware and viruses?

Many factors can contribute to spyware and virus problems. Most of these types of malware are introduced via email attachments and surfing infected websites. A mutli-tiered defense is the best approach for these issues.

Different IT departments have different ideas about how to deal with these problems on a large scale. Some would prefer to block access to all but non-essential websites, and restrict the use of email attachments. While these methods may seem to fix the problem, they are really avoiding the problem instead of properly handling it. Employees tend to resent this sort of extreme lock-down scenario, and it can also have a negative impact on productivity.

Alternative methods include: filtering malicious email before it gets to the inbox, using a different, more-secure web browser, and discouraging casual browsing of unfamiliar websites.

If such proactive measures are not feasible, anti-spyware and anti-adware software can be set to periodically scan your computers, and automatically remove any malicious software.