What can help minimize the risks associated with pharming?

Using anti-spyware software and exercising caution are effective measures to minimize the risks associated with pharming. Pharming involves redirecting users from legitimate websites to fraudulent ones, often without their knowledge. Anti-spyware software detects and removes malicious software that may facilitate such attacks. It can help identify and block attempts to redirect your web traffic, ensuring that you reach the intended site.

Caution plays a crucial role as well. Being vigilant about the links you click on, the websites you visit, and the information you provide online can help individuals avoid falling prey to scams. By recognizing signs of suspicious activity—such as unexpected changes in website addresses or requests for sensitive information—users can protect themselves more effectively.

The other options do not directly address the specific tactics that pharming employs. Although strong passwords enhance overall account security, they do not prevent redirection to fraudulent sites. Regularly changing email addresses is not an effective strategy against pharming attacks, and downloading unverified software could actually increase the risk by introducing additional vulnerabilities. Thus, using anti-spyware software combined with cautious behavior directly contributes to minimizing the risks associated with pharming.