Although no system is 100% safe from outside
intruders you can minimize the risk. The best
way to protect against hackers is to use a
firewall program. As well as some self help.
Here are the steps I would advise following
- Dont choose easy passwords such as your
name
- Change your passwords on a regular basis
- Do not leave your passwords and credit card information lying around
- Turn off preview pane in your email
program
- Only download from trusted sources
- Scan all CD-Rom's Floppys,usb devices, email attachments
before use.
- Keep your firewall and anitvirus program
up-to-date
- If your computer is not on a network then Disable file and print sharing on in the network options panel
- Educate other computer users on the use of firewalls.
If running a network or a computer with sensitive or confidential data on it consider using Vulnerability-testing software which checks many of the same things a security consultant would automatically at a lower cost. Its also worth remembering in a corporate enviroment most attacks and data thefts actually come from someone within the company or a ex employee than from the outside world. To this effect make sure users are only give the level of access required to do their job.
If you are on a Windows machine it is also
important to update security patches and
servie packs from Microsoft.
Keeping up to date with service packs and
security patches will help you build a more
secure computing environment.
Think of firewalls as gatekeepers. All
messages coming in or going out are carefully
screened to meet certain select security
criteria. When installed, a firewall exists
between your computer(s) and the Internet.
The firewall lets you request web pages,
download files, chat, etc. while making
sure other people on the internet can not
access services on your computer like file
or print sharing. Some firewalls are pieces
of software that run on your computer. Other
firewalls are built into hardware and protect
your whole network from attacks.
ZoneAlarm Pro is the award-winning personal
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It's easy to install and use, and comes
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Why risk it? Get protected. Even better
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Or there's
BlackICE Defender is an industrial-strength
anti-hacker system that delivers unmatched
protection to your PC. It scans your DSL,
cable modem, or dial-up Internet connection
looking for hacker activity. When it detects
an attempted intrusion, it automatically
blocks traffic from that source, keeping
intruders from accessing your system. there
are many other firewalls this is just a
brief intro.
Firewalls do not stop Viruses checkout
protect
against viruses