Originally posted here by a morning chill
Spyware doesn't "slip" by your browser, it requires direct user interaction to install itself upon your computer.

Spyware doesn't magically slip through your web browser, you have to let it through via confirmation dialogs.
Actually this isn't entirely accurate! It *IS* true that a fair amount of spyware comes in through user interraction (re.; clicking Yes to install something, clicking pop-up ads, installing *helper* search bars, etc) but there is some amount of spyware which uses a *drive-by-install* tactic to install itself -- and this requires NO INTERRACTION from the user. And the number of infections by this method is growing quickly because now there is money attached to the spyware in the form of webhits/traffic to particular websites in addition to tieing back to spammers.

Don't think I'm trying to insult you here, by any means. But the sooner we can get people to understand that the first aspect of how spyware is installed is because of how they interact with websites, the sooner we can begin to protect you against all forms of spyware. I've used firefox for years upon years, and I've only had spyware on my computer ONCE during that time. The reason being because I wanted to test the usability of spybot versus adaware, and thus knowingly installed it.
I agree. Too many times it's a user who:
  • - Installs something because it looked cool (like a Internet search bar)
    - Clicks on those deceptive banner ads telling them that it will fix their computer
    - Clicks on a banner ad that says they have won something
    - Plays an Internet game
    - etc

We need to get more user awareness out there in addition to all our technology tools. After all, spam is still a HUGE problem because of why? users responding...sigh!

It is true that you must be carefull what websites you visit, however...there have been some totally legit websites which served up some infected and malicious ad banners which infected the clients. Sigh.

So while I agree with most of your post a morning chill I wanted to clear something up regarding the *drive-by* spyware installs.