Today the word “hacking” has become a buzzword. But what is hacking and how do you protect yourself from being hacked? The word “hacking” means the act of gaining unauthorized access to data or a computer system. It is a form of cybercrime that involves unauthorized entry into a computer network.
The word and the practice itself have become so widely known that the general public overlooks the topic and its implications. For example, when Edward Snowden recently exposed Russian spies, the world briefly thought that a new term “Russian hacking” had emerged. Although the phrase has become very common and acceptable, the implications of what it actually means are quite serious. Here are a couple of tips from depositphotos.com
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What is Hacking?
Hacking or hacking into a computer system is a very illegal practice that can lead to disastrous consequences. For example, if hackers are able to get access to your personal and financial information, they could use it for identity theft, cybercrime, or using it as leverage in extortion.
Another example of how hacking can have negative outcomes is when hackers are able to disrupt the digital infrastructure that powers modern society. If hackers were able to hack into the power grid, they could cause blackouts across the United States and other parts of the world. It’s important for you and your business to take precautions against hacking in order to protect yourself and your company from future attacks. Here are some basic steps you should take:
- Make sure all of your passwords are secure
- Keep off-limits resources out of reach from outsiders
- Train employees on how to prevent intrusions
- Secure servers from outside threats
How to Protect Yourself from Being Hacked?
In order to protect yourself from being hacked, there are a few things you can do. First of all, make sure your computer has anti-virus software installed and update it regularly. This will help protect your computer from malicious software which hackers may try to use to gain unauthorized access to your computer or network.
Secondly, consider using an identity protection program such as LifeLock that will help you monitor who is accessing your personal information online. Lastly, if you work with sensitive information (i.e., credit card numbers) consider using two-factor authentication where users must enter a password on top of a one-time passcode for login. This second step provides an additional layer of security and acts as another line of defense between hackers and your sensitive information.
Secure Your Device
The first step to protecting yourself from being hacked is to secure your device. That means making sure that your computer and your apps are up-to-date, that you have strong passwords and two-factor authentication enabled, and that you use a password manager. If you are using a mobile device, make sure it is protected with a passcode or a biometric fingerprint scanner. You can also use apps like Norton Mobile Security or Lookout to help secure your phone.
When it comes to online security, there are many different ways to be safe. For example, you can use HTTPS encryption on any website you visit for added security and privacy when browsing the web. When working on sensitive documents, make sure you have HTTPS enabled so that third parties cannot see what is happening in real-time when the document is opened on their end.
Finally, if you want to open an email attachment from someone unknown or untrusted, click the ‘shield’ icon on the file before opening it so that it will not automatically open in full view of others who might be viewing your computer’s desktop at the time of opening.
Secure Your Data
The first step in protecting yourself from being hacked is securing your data. When you have secure data, it means that the information stored on your computer is encrypted and protected with a password or passphrase. This keeps hackers from accessing your computer remotely or making any unauthorised changes to your files. To make sure this data stays secure, make sure you regularly use strong passwords, keep track of all your logins, and update antivirus software.
Once you have secured your data, the next step is to protect yourself against phishing attacks. Phishing attacks are when someone sends an email to steal personal information such as usernames and passwords by pretending to be a trustworthy company like banks or credit card companies.
The best way to prevent these phishing emails is by being aware of what email services you use and updating those credentials when needed. You can also opt for two-factor authentication where you need a code sent via text message in addition to your username and password in order to log into the account.
Stay Alert
It is important to stay alert and aware of what you are doing when online. Always be careful when entering your personal email, passwords, or social media accounts. It is best to change your passwords regularly and use a different password for every account.
Be sure to check the privacy settings on any social media site. You should also make sure you are not using the same password on multiple sites.
Conclusion
Hacking is a growing concern for many people. Luckily, with a little preparation, you can stay safe from being hacked.
