Simple Tips To Save Your Computer From Hackers

[Herbalist Dr MziziMkavu]

What is Computer Hacking?

Computer Hacking refers to the process of making malicious modifications to a software or hardware to accomplish an aim outside the original creator's objective. Hackers are usually expert programmers who usually see hacking as a real life application of their skills.

Hacking has become a nuisance in recent times. Infact, the hackers have become so good that even the software giants are feeling a headache. Nintendo recently reported a loss of $975 million due to privacy and Microsoft has lost an estimated $900 million in five years.

Well, the Giants are not the only targets of these hackers, even common individuals are not safe. The dangers range from little thefts to sponsored terrorism. These include stealing personal information and spying your activities. They can get to your secrets and destroy your credit. The dangers are possibly endless.



Save computer from hacking


How to save your computer from Hackers

Prevention is Better Than Cure. The problem of computer hacking has become really serious. But there are some basic methods which are usually the best to guarantee a Hacker-free system. Here, I am going to introduce some basic tips to save your computer and data from hackers.

Using Antivirus Software

Antivirus software are one of the basic tools to protect your computer from hackers. Antivirus software act as a protecting net that catches any potential threat before it reaches your system. They can prevent unauthorized access to your computer, protects your system from viruses and cloaks your data ports from intruders searching for any opening.

Nowadays anti virus software are completely automated. Go for the best when choosing anti virus software and make sure that you scan your system for viruses atleast once a week. Norton antivirus from Symantec is one of the leading products in the industry. Avast is another great antivirus tool.


Using Firewall

What is a Firewall?

A firewall is a set of programs located at the network gateway server which protects a private network from unauthorized access from other networks. The term firewall is originally referred to a wall intended to confine a fire.
A firewall protects your computer from offensive websites and potential hackers. It keeps your data and information safe from unwanted intruders. Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorized access to your network, much like a locked door.Thus firewall is a vital tool for your strategy against hackers so don't forget to set up one for your system. Microsoft has a built-in firewall software but you can also try the Symantec firewall.


Using Anti Spyware Software

What is a Spyware?

A spyware is a self installing software which secretly gathers information about a person's computing activities such as surfing habits and viewed sites. Spywares are truly a hacker's tool, not only collecting personal information but also interfering with user control by installing additional software and redirecting web browsers.

Anti spyware software are designed to save your computer from hackers. They not only protect your computer by detection and removal of spywares but also preventing automatic installation of these malicious programs. Spysweeper is a great anti spyware software to guarantee a spyware free computer.


Email Security

Email is one of the leading hacker's tools. Hackers use emails to transmit malicious software to your computer. Emails are usually very cheap which gives the hackers loads of opportunities. One of the basic tips to prevent hacking is to be extra careful with emails. The most important

tip is that you should never hand out your real email address to a stranger. Never open an email arriving from an unknown source and never try to open an attachment with an email if you don't know the sender. Avira antivirus is a useful tool to filter your emails for potential threats as well as provide premium protection for your computer.


Software updates

Hackers are always searching for security gaps in your system. Anti virus and anti spyware software usually lose their effectiveness with time as new and more advanced malicious programs are created by hackers.

Its important to go for the latest security software in the market to guarantee maximum security from threats. Make sure you frequently check out for software updates or set your software to update automatically.


Internet Security

Being extra careful while surfing is the best way to protect your computer from hackers. Simple precautions can mean the difference between a secure and vulnerable system. A great way to save yourself from hackers is to avoid visiting hacker controlled sites usually committed to porn, free downloads and online gaming. Also be extra careful while downloading something from an unknown source. Never ignore a security warning about a site. Its better to be safe than sorry.



Poll

What's the thing that frightens you the most about hacking?

• Stealing of personal information
• Misuse of resources
• Fraud in one's name

See results without voting


Educate Yourself

When working for an offensive against hackers, the most important step is to educate yourself. Hacking is a dynamic topic with developments arising every moment. Hackers are intelligent and innovative and you should be prepared for it.
Computers are vulnerable. No matter what you do, its impossible to be 100% save. Important data like personal detail and credit card

information should never be saved directly on a computer. A password protector is a great way to protect this data.
Another great way to secure your computer is to use a password on your computer. Well, it can't really save you if your computer gets stolen (in case of a laptop) but can save you from unauthorized people who can reach to your computer.




Windows update

Microsoft Windows is the best OS which comes with almost all the tools to protect you and your computer from hacking. To make the most of this, it is important to keep your windows updated. An easy way to do this is by checking for updates at Microsoft Windows Update. You can also set your windows security software to check for updates automatically so you don't miss anything.




Conclusion

Hacking is a developing topic but basics are always the most effective. Follow these easy tips to protect you and your data from hackers. If you have any questions than feel free to ask by in comments below.
You can also Check out Anas Shad on Facebook.

 

[Herbalist Dr MziziMkavu]

How to Protect Your Computer: 9 Ways to Stay Away from Hackers, Spyware, and Viruses

Guard your computer like a good dog.Source: Flickr photo by andrewr




I admit that I’m not a Computer Wizard, yet using a computer since I was 8 years old without a brother to fix it when it went wrong had forced me to learn everything I can to care for my computer. So yeah, maybe I’m the “technician” when it comes to my family.
I have noticed that many users I know have little or no knowledge about computer protection. Especially now that almost everyone with a

computer has internet access, having the necessary protection is a must. Internet is a good place to get freebies. You get to download songs, music videos, movies, e-books, games, and softwares – you name it. But just as much as there are goodies in the internet, so do the bad stuff

– Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Malwares, and Spywares. What’s more scary is that since the advent of wifi, more and more users have become connected to a computer network. One attack by the bad guys and all the computers connected are doomed. But don’t despair; you don’t have to be a computer wizard to be able to have a secured computer or a secured network. Everyone can learn. Here are some of the guidelines you could follow to help protect your computer.



Get an Antivirus Software

It’s the most basic thing you could do to help protect your computer. You could either download an antivirus software for free or buy one. Before you choose your antivirus software, learn about the software and what protection it offers. Some antivirus softwares are bundled with anti-spyware, anti-malware, firewall, or all of the above. Read the reviews so you get the idea how efficient the software is and what else you need to do if the software has downsides. These antivirus softwares have real-time scanning capabilities. So it can detect viruses while scanning on the background. You get to do the normal things you do with your computer while allowing the software to detect unwanted entities. However, my rule of the thumb is, although the antivirus software scans as you go, you still have to manually full system scan your computer at least once a week. In addition, you need to update your antivirus database regularly to help protect your computer from new viruses.

Free Anti-Spyware and Anti-Malware

• SUPERAntiSpyware
• Malwarebytes

Get an Anti-Spyware or Anti-Malware Program

If your antivirus software is bundled with this type of program, then good. But most antivirus softwares out there aren’t perfect, especially free softwares. So you need to download another program specifically made to protect your computer from spywares and malwares. Spywares

and malwares are more harmful than viruses, as viruses can only harm your computer when accessing an infected executable file or *.exe file. These two however are far more intelligent programs. As these get bundled with the freebies you download from the Internet, most of these are being installed without you knowing it. When these get installed, you may not see the harm immediately, but they are capable of giving

information to the hacker in many ways depending on the spyware or malware. Of course, you don’t want your information to be sent to the hacker! Anti-Spyware and Anti-Malware Programs work the same with Antivirus Softwares. You need to scan at least once a week (but more

preferably each time after you install a new program), and update the database regularly. Most of the Anti-Spyware/Anti-Malware Softwares that can be downloaded for free do not have real-time scanning capabilities. So they won’t detect any harmful programs unless you manually scan. Also, using a single Anti-Spyware or Anti-Malware Software might not be enough especially when downloaded for free. You have to at least have two to three of these softwares installed on your computer to get the maximum security.


Secure Your Network with a Password

Do you have your own computer network? Then secure it with a password! WPA2 is a good security type, but does not always work for older computers. Just remember that WPA is better than WEP. Not only does securing your network with a password will protect you from hackers, those freeloading neighbours won’t be able to access your internet as well. I am particularly strict about this, as the Internet in the Philippines could be quite slow, especially in an overpopulated area. So I see to it that my home network is secure. I don’t want my bandwidth to be crowded by parasitic neighbours, thus further slowing down my Internet.


Be Careful when Using Public Wifi

Public Wifi usually don’t have a security key, subjecting network users to a type of hacking called sidejacking. In this type of hacking, the hacker uses a program called Firesheep and phishes out for other network users’ activities. When the hacker sidejacks, the pages of what you are currently viewing will appear in his computer window. So when you are currently viewing your facebook, he can access the page and change your password. Avoid using your personal accounts when using public wifi. Do not access your Facebook, email, Amazon, iTunes, or any other similar accounts. Some users would counter this hacking method by using a Firefox add-on such as Https-Everywhere or similar to that. This will change every page you visit from http to https. Having a URL with an HTTPS gives more security against hackers. You might also notice that whenever you log in your account, you will see HTTPS at the beginning of the URL whenever you type in your password. But as soon as you’re out of the log in page, you are no longer secured, and just like any other page you browse, can be subjected to hackers. Of course, you can always manually change the URL into https, but that can be a tedious task.


Avoid Visiting Untrusted Sites

Of course, you won’t be able to know which sites are untrusted unless you experience the harm by it. So here’s a useful Firefox add-on, also available as a Google Chrome app, called the WOT, or Web-of-Trust. The information this app gives is based on users’ ratings of every webpage you will visit. When you surf through search engine, results will appear as hyperlinks. Beside the link is a small WOT indicator will appear. A green color means the site is trustworthy. Red means untrusted. Having WOT installed in your browser will enable you to avoid clicking those harmful webpages. It is indeed helpful when checking my inbox. Some of my friends will unknowingly send me email messages with a mysterious link. By having a WOT installed on my browser, I could easily determine whether to click the link or delete the message right away.


Build a Firewall

This is particularly important when you love downloading files. By downloading files through programs such as BitTorrent, you allow one or more of your ports to be accessible with other users. Having a firewall will help you customize which incoming data to enter your computer. It can be quite tricky to use firewall especially on a network. Sometimes, activating your firewall interferes with network access, so you really have to be proficient in networking.

Make sure that whatever you plug into your computer is free from infection.Source: Nina Schnapp/Dreamstime




Be Cautious when Accessing Your Friend’s Flash Drive

A USB flash drive has become a ubiquitous tool for data transfer. Sometimes, it is inevitable to use other people’s flash drive especially if your friend wants to give you some files. Your friend has pure intentions to share her files, but sometimes, her computer might be infected (and also the drive) without her knowing it. You should therefore exercise precautions before accessing her flash drive. One thing for you to do this is to scan the drive before opening it. Do not access her files through autoplay. Always close the autorun window by clicking on the X mark on the upper right corner of the window rather than clicking cancel. Some malicious files are capable of infecting your computer by just clicking the OK or Cancel commands that appear. To be on the safe side, close the autorun window, scan, and right click on the icon and explore.


Do Not Accept Files from an Unknown Source

An example of this would be through Yahoo Messenger. Maybe, you like to meet friends online and chat with them through YM. That’s ok, but don’t accept anything they send you. By accepting a file being sent to you, you are making your computer vulnerable to that person. Who knows? Your online friend might be a hacker. He could use the first few seconds of your downloading time to do his deed. So always be careful!


Use Your Common Sense

Of course, the abovementioned guidelines aren’t foolproof in the same way like our bodies are still susceptible to diseases no matter how healthy our lifestyles are. When all else fails, you should only rely on your common sense. These harmful entities are machine operated, not you. It is still your decision whether to download, access, or click a button or two when using your computer. There are cases when a message box would suddenly appear, stating that your computer has been infected. You are prompted to click a button. By using your commonsense, you could determine whether the mysterious message comes from your own system or from the webpage you are currently viewing. When it is indeed from the webpage, close the window (the X button, not Cancel), and run your antivirus softwar