Are You Vulnerable Online? 5 Ways Hackers Get In

By Brad Wilson


In the past few years, there have been countless reports of hackers compromising the security of big name companies like Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, and Amazon. So, what makes you think your company is any safer than they were? Hackers are sneaky; they can find the most miniscule opening in your system and take complete advantage of it.

Do you think there are places where your computers and mobile devices may be vulnerable? Are you leaving an open door for hackers? Here are just a few ways a hacker might be able to get into your system and compromise your valuable and private information.

How Hackers Gain Control Of A System

Spam- Ever notice how your junk e-mail folder always seems to stay full? So many hackers now perpetrate their acts by using emails that say something like "where were you?" or "I have been waiting", to make you think that they aren't a spam but an important message from a colleague, friend or family member. These spam e-mail are used to trick you into giving the hackers personal information, downloading programs, or visiting harmful sites online. These people are smart and giving them a little information about your can open the door for them to access more.

The Use Of Downloads- Downloading programs from the internet is wildly popular these days, but you should be careful. It is possible that you may be getting more than you bargained for while you may think that you are getting online videos, music, software and images. These programs and downloads are what hackers use to infiltrate systems and gain control of it.

The Use Of Popups- Like junk mail, popups are yet another tool hackers use to trick you into putting your personal and corporate data at risk. While they may seem like legitimate advertisements for services and products, these popups are often filled with hidden spyware and viruses, just waiting for you to click on them.

Software Updates- Many individuals don't realize it, but forgetting to update their software, like anti-virus and anti-spyware programs can make them extremely vulnerable to attacks. These software programs contain security patches designed to track new viruses, worms and Trojans.

Through Shared Files- While sharing files on a network is a common practice in some offices, these practice can also make your system vulnerable. A hacker can gain access to your computer through shared files and perhaps do with the content whatever he pleases.

How To Prevent Hacking

Install and use an anti-virus program. Take time to go through its reports and delete any Trojans, worms or viruses it may find. Also, you must update the software regularly.

Use encryption software to make your data unreadable to anyone who might gain access to your computer. It doesn't matter whether you think a hacker can gain access to your computer or not, use this encryption on all your information. If you give hackers an inch, they will take a mile.

Disable all file sharing on your computer. You can easily do this on windows explorer. To do so, open your browser and take a look at your folders. If you see any small hand on any of the folders, it means that that folder is being shared. Right-click on that folder and select Sharing and security. Select the tab that says 'Sharing' and then click the 'do not share this folder'

Your computers may have settings and other features that may attract hackers than you think. Using security suites and encryption software will help to keep your computer safe from being victimized.




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