Protect Yourself from Hackers
//cbtplanet.com
Did you know that computer hacking started as a byproduct of phone phreaking, which is an illegal practice of exploring the phone system? The phone phreaking communities are able to make long distance or international calls without charge from their telephone networks. As these networks evolved and became computerized over time, phreaking has also become closely associated with computer hacking.
There are various types of hackers, some of which are white hat hackers, black hat hackers, grey hackers, script kiddie, elite hackers, or hacktivists. These different groups of computer underground hackers, also sometimes referred to as crackers, are distinguished according to the legality of their activities. For instance, the white hat hackers are oftentimes called ethical hackers because they do not break security for malicious reasons unlike the black hat hackers, who intrude secured networks for malicious intent, personal gain or merely to destroy data. A grey hat hacker, on the other hand, is a combination of a white and a black hacker. This type of hacker usually hacks computer systems, notifies the administrator, and then offers to fix their system for a small charge. Therefore, as constant online users, you must practice caution at all times.
Hackers can strike at any time and destroy your computer. It is then important to protect yourself from these malicious perpetrators. Almost everything now can be done through online transactions, from banking to business proposals and the like; thus, it is imperative that we stay on guard to avoid being victimized by hackers.
There are a lot of ways to prevent computer hacking. One of the common safety tips to protect yourself from being hacked is by constantly changing your password. Change your password on a monthly basis or when you suspect that someone else is trying to access your account. Use 3D passwords that contain characters, digits, and special symbols, such as dollar sign ($) or ampersand (&). Don’t create a password that can be easily guessed. Instead use a complicated password, one that is hard for anyone to figure out. Passwords containing upper and lower case letters, coupled with numbers and special characters will definitely make it hard for the hacker to comprehend.
You must never disclose your IP address (address of your computer) to anyone or else you will be vulnerable to hacking. Hackers can easily access your computer and can destroy or steal your information, files and passwords once they get hold of your IP address.
You must be extra careful when downloading attachments or installing a software from an unknown source as they may contain viruses that can damage your files and applications. According to computer scientists, computer hackers make use of the Internet to intrude or attack your computer every 40 seconds. Hackers try to look for cracks and keygens online to hack anybody’s computer. They will attach a virus or keylogger to the crack or the keygen. Once the file is downloaded and installed, your data is automatically sent to the hacker, who will have access to your files. This can be very disastrous, especially for online businessmen since hackers are able to track sensitive information, such as bank account information, Paypal account details, or e-mail account information. Never double click e-mail attachments that contain executable programs unless you know they are fully safe. These executable programs have extensions like .com, .exe or .vbs.
Make sure to install firewalls and virus protection software and keep them up-to-date. Choose a good firewall program and don’t depend on the Windows firewall alone to protect your computer from hackers. Select a good antivirus software that is reputed to be consistently reliable. If you are using a free antivirus software and firewall program, make sure you constantly update them.
Failure to properly log out, especially when you are using a shared computer is a common root cause for most information security breach cases. Social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, are in the mainstream and millions of online users utilize them every day. Most online users tend to leave their accounts unclosed, thus making it easier for hackers to attack. Don’t just close the browser window without logging out your account once you’re finished. Regardless of whether the computer you are using is a shared computer or your personal computer, it is equally important to properly log out your account so that the next person using the computer won’t gain access to the sites and accounts that you opened.
You must watch out from phishing scams. Phishing scams are fraudulent e-mail messages that appear to come from legitimate entities, such as your bank or your ISP that lead you to a spoof site where you are asked to divulge your personal information (bank accounts, password, etc.). Once you fall prey to this modus operandi, the perpetrators will then make use of your private information to commit identity theft. Phishing scams are designed to induce panic towards the recipient of the e-mail message, thus, triggering the victim to respond immediately by clicking a link to verify his/her personal information.
There are ways to avoid phishing scams. Responsible companies will never use e-mail to ask for your private information such as your password or Social Security number. One way to avoid being victimized by such scam is to ignore the message, delete it from your inbox, and remove it from your deleted items folder. In that way, you remove any chances of ever accessing the links to the Web sites they point to. If you feel that the message might be legitimate, contact the company and verify if the action described in the e-mail message is true.
It is also advisable to create a back up of your files. Some viruses are made to destroy the data stored in your computer. You can benefit from a lot of good data back up programs on the Internet.
If you follow all the basic tips and advices that I’ve suggested, I’m sure you will reduce the chances of being hacked. Always remember, “Hackers prey on those who don’t protect themselves.”