Individuals using a device connected to the Internet are vulnerable to the threats posed by cyber predators and computer hackers. Such computer hacking experts typically use phishing scams, instant messages or spam emails and fake websites to deliver dangerous malware to your computer and compromise your computer security.
If you are not secured by a firewall, these hackers may also try to access your device and private information directly. You will be able to monitor your messages, review the back-end of your personal website, and also install malware. Protecting your device from hackers is, therefore, a growing concern that can be solved by installing effective antivirus software and other virus protection measures.
Hackers can do the following things with your computer:
- Make purchases
- Hijack your passwords and usernames
- Obtain cash advances
- Ruin your credit
- Request new account Personal Identification Numbers (PINSs) or additional credits
- Add themselves or an alias that they control as an authorized user so it is easier to use your credit.
Tips on how to stay protected from computer hacking activities
Install, update and use antivirus
Installing antivirus software is an extremely important step that helps to protect viruses and avoid malware, but it doesn’t affect everyone.
Turn on the windows firewall
Windows has a built-in firewall that protects your PC from unwanted internet attention. This software firewall is enabled by default and works alongside any hardware firewall that is installed into your home broadband router. Check its settings by entering “Test Firewall” in the Start menu search box and selecting Check Firewall status from the list. Three green tick marks mean that the firewall is usually operating, if not, choosing each one to turn the firewall on.
Check link locations
Unknown messages are connected to unknown pages. You could end up facing unintended consequences if you visit a cryptic website. Such pages may be unsecured or compromised with malware. Copy and paste the connection location to a new browser to see which site is on the other side. Encrypted pages are the easiest to visit because you know they are safe when you see HTTPS in the URL and the lock icon on your browser.
Use Advanced Password
An effective password includes lowercase, uppercase, punctuation, numbers, and special characters. Do not store a list in a saved file and refrain from making a personal reference to the password. Never use the same password on multiple accounts.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
When hackers get your passwords, they try to study which personal accounts they can control with the stolen data. Two-factor authentication is known to be an effective way to stop attackers who have stolen passwords. A growing number of companies are now setting standards for logging in. For two-factor authentication, users will need to enter a password and also validate an entry with another element like a code that is sent to the phone.
Be Suspicious of Emails
If you receive phone emails, make sure to check your email address to see if it suits the website you think it is from. You can also search the sender’s IP address in order to be extra careful. This can be done by identifying the source information from the email and then searching for an IP address that matches the’ Received: from’ line. Google will have an IP address to discover the source of the email.
Use The Most Recent Version of Your Web Browser
Web browsers are vital tools, but they can contain bugs just like other apps. Hackers are fast to capitalize on these and create false websites with data designed to exploit them. After hacking the web browser in this way, the hacker will be able to monitor anything you type, from credit card numbers to passwords. It is therefore important for you to use the most recent version of your web browser, as this helps prevent hacking attempts by your computer and other related issues.
