How to Prevent Computer Hackers From Getting Sensitive Information
An Inc.com article reports that 1.06 million computers in the United States were hacked in the last three months of 2009 alone. Hacking attempts result in disastrous situations for those computer owners, most often resulting in stolen personal and sensitive information. However, there are some crucial steps anyone can take to prevent a hacker takeover of a computer.
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Instructions
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Create a secure, encrypted internet connection. Use the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) settings via your wireless router and set a strong password for authentication to the network. Choose "Disable" on the "Broadcast SSID" option, which prevents your network from being seen by outsiders.
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Install a two-way firewall on your computer such as ZoneAlarm, McAfee or Norton Antivirus. Firewalls monitor both incoming and outgoing Internet traffic and block access to your computer from sources that are detected to be harmful and malicious.
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Check which files and folders are currently being "shared" in your operating system. A "shared" folder means that others who are on your Internet connection can view and modify file and folder contents. -----Disable the sharing features and share files with other computers on the network only with whom you trust.
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Download and install encryption software that allows you to secure your sensitive files and folders with stringent passwords and encryption rules. Software such as TrueCrypt helps you protect data against computer hackers by placing sensitive files inside a virtual and/or hidden, encrypted part of your hard drive.
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Consider installing a software program that will shield your IP address from computer hackers. Programs like Hide My IP from My Privacy Tools Inc. conceal your IP address so that it's difficult for computer hackers and identity thieves to trace your computer, install keyloggers and Trojans, and obtain sensitive information.
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Create backups of sensitive information on a separate hard disk or USB flash drive. Store this separate drive away from your main computer and maintain daily and/or weekly backups to maintain consistency in case a hacker gains access.
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Install and run registry cleaners, virus and spyware cleaners on a regular basis to alert you of possible infestations. Programs such as Avira AntiVir Personal and AVG Antivirus allow you to schedule and perform on-demand computer scans to find spyware and virus infestations. These programs clean your computer and get rid of this type of malware.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not store credit card numbers or bank information in obvious places on your computer such as on your main desktop interface.
Use browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome that have an "incognito" mode that doesn't store histories, cookies or temporary Internet files. Use this mode when surfing websites that ask you to input sensitive information like your credit card or bank account numbers.
Create a strong operating system password that computer hackers will find difficult to crack. Set your operating system settings to ask for a password after the computer goes into hibernation or screen-saver mode.
References
Resources
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