How do I Protect Against Computer Hacking?

Computers are used on a regular basis for things like work, school, or leisure activities. These activities, although seemingly harmless, can result in computer hacking. Installing anti-virus software, avoiding P2P file sharing software, deleting emails from unknown senders, and utilizing complex passwords are all ways that computers can be protected against hackers.

When a computer is running without anti-virus software, the chances are greater that hackers can intrude via an Internet connection and steal personal information. Anti-virus software blocks hackers from uploading malicious files onto a person's computer. For additional security, Internet connections can be protected from hackers by enabling a computer's firewall.

P2P file sharing software is often used for computer hacking. This software is usually used to share movies and music. Attached to these movie and music files can sometimes be a keystroke logger, which many people are unaware of. Keystroke loggers transmit anything that is typed on one computer to a hacker's computer, which can sometimes leading to identity theft.

It is not uncommon for an email address to get messages from unknown senders sent to it. In such a situation, these emails should not be opened, since they are often used in computer hacking to gain access to a person's information. This is especially true if the email includes an attachment. Instead, suspicious emails should be deleted upon receipt. Various email providers also have privacy filters that can screen for such emails.

A computer is often used for private information that requires a password to access. Online accounts that require passwords can be at risk, especially in places where financial information is stored. Generally passwords with easily identifiable information, such as names and birthdays, should be avoided. Instead, people can protect against computer hackers by using a mix of numbers and letters in combinations that would be difficult for a hacker to figure out.

Wireless networks are often computer hacking targets. When they are first installed, they usually have no security. A hacker who is in the same area as an unsecured wireless network can invade that network to get information. A wireless network can be secured by logging into its router and setting the security so that a password is required to access the network.

Computer hacking utilizes new viruses on regular basis. As a result, any security software that is on a computer should be updated on a regular basis, such as weekly. Most software will update itself, but in some cases it might also require manual updates.