updated antivirus program.
Automatic Downloads
In some situations, even up-to-date security programs are not enough. Your computer
might have one or more vulnerable programs that hackers can take advantage of. For
example, if you have an old version of a computer application, it may be vulnerable to
viruses.
Hackers exploit vulnerabilities present in a program by establishing a rigged website.
These people attract victims by sending out phishing messages through emails or social
networking sites.
Keep in mind, however, that hackers are not limited to their own sites. They can attack a
legitimate site and insert malicious codes into it. Once you visit a compromised site, the
inserted codes will scan your machine for vulnerable programs. Then, the codes will
install viruses onto your machine automatically.
You can protect yourself by keeping your computer applications updated. Software
developers release updates and/or patches for their products. Most programs can detect
whenever a new update is available. They will just ask you whether or not you would like
to update your program. Hit “Yes” and wait for the update process to complete.
Exploiting Weak Passwords
Fictional stories depict hackers as people who can guess passwords with ease. Real world
hackers, however, rarely use this method. They don’t even bother guessing their victims’
passwords. They use various methods to obtain that crucial information.
You can enhance your online security by using different passwords for different sites. For
example, the password of your Facebook account should be different from that of your
Twitter account. This way, your Twitter account will still be safe even if a hacker
successfully attacks your Facebook profile, and vice versa.
Using the same password for all of your accounts is extremely risky. When one of your
accounts gets compromised, the rest of your accounts will also be in danger. You don’t
have to use completely different passwords. It’s enough to add some characters to your
main password to create different variations.
Automatic Downloads
In some situations, even up-to-date security programs are not enough. Your computer
might have one or more vulnerable programs that hackers can take advantage of. For
example, if you have an old version of a computer application, it may be vulnerable to
viruses.
Hackers exploit vulnerabilities present in a program by establishing a rigged website.
These people attract victims by sending out phishing messages through emails or social
networking sites.
Keep in mind, however, that hackers are not limited to their own sites. They can attack a
legitimate site and insert malicious codes into it. Once you visit a compromised site, the
inserted codes will scan your machine for vulnerable programs. Then, the codes will
install viruses onto your machine automatically.
You can protect yourself by keeping your computer applications updated. Software
developers release updates and/or patches for their products. Most programs can detect
whenever a new update is available. They will just ask you whether or not you would like
to update your program. Hit “Yes” and wait for the update process to complete.
Exploiting Weak Passwords
Fictional stories depict hackers as people who can guess passwords with ease. Real world
hackers, however, rarely use this method. They don’t even bother guessing their victims’
passwords. They use various methods to obtain that crucial information.
You can enhance your online security by using different passwords for different sites. For
example, the password of your Facebook account should be different from that of your
Twitter account. This way, your Twitter account will still be safe even if a hacker
successfully attacks your Facebook profile, and vice versa.
Using the same password for all of your accounts is extremely risky. When one of your
accounts gets compromised, the rest of your accounts will also be in danger. You don’t
have to use completely different passwords. It’s enough to add some characters to your
main password to create different variations.