What can we use to protect your computer from hackers?

I guess in this 21st century we all are aware of the term HACKING, isn’t it..!

Well, if YES then this article is for you but if your answer is NO, then also you are in the right place.

As today my article is all about Hacking including types of hacking, how the hackers attack your computer, how to protect your computer from hackers and much more.

But first, learn what is hacking and its consequences?

Hacking is an illegal interference into a computer or a network. This is an ability to make computers are other multimedia devices act in a way the owner does not intend.

And the person who commits all this illegal intrusion is called a Hacker.

The hacker alters the computer security features to achieve their aims such as committing frauds, financial gain,  stealing personal as well as business data, privacy theft, and much more.

Just through hacking the hackers cost the organizations millions- billions of dollars each year. This is a very miserable situation and requires complete protection against hacking.

Hackers hack various devices like PC, laptop, smartphones, iPhones, iPad, etc. to gain access using advanced algorithm without informing the user.

In this guide, I am basically talking about the computer or laptop hacking, how to protect the PC from hacking & other information related to it. However, the hacking prevention tips work for other multimedia devices also.

What is Computer Hacking?

Computer hacking defines the actions accomplished by the hackers to gain illegal access to one’s computer without their knowledge.

Here the hackers carry out high advanced algorithm to modify or alter the system’s software and hardware to get into anyone computer.

Despite this, it is also referred to someone’s habitual activities who enjoy extraordinary skills and admires researching and examining the deepest intricacies in computer programming.

And analyzing both the definition, we can’t doom it as a negative intention. This is totally dependent on the hacker’s intentions. However, hackers with malicious intent are called Crackers.

Types of Hacking:

There are 6 types of hacking through which the hackers attack the owners: Here learn about them:

1: Website Hacking

Hacking website is on-trend. Regularly we come to know about latest web hackers attacks where the reputed websites are infected with malicious code.

The newly developed web application invasions are posted on various website hacking forums and sites only known by the members of that special group.

Also, the postings are updated regularly and used for spreading and helping further web hacking. And these hacked websites are turned into launching sites in order to attack and install the malware on the computer of the visitors.

Well, website hacking is the result of the approval of web-based skills to conduct e-business. And this is what open the doors for the unknown security risks and as well as web hackers.

There are various reasons due to which the web hackers attack these vulnerable websites, here learn some of the common ones:

• To gain access to sensitive data like the customers personal and credit card data and sell it for profit
• In order to implement phishing sites and regain customer’s bank account details.
• For distributing illegal content to the website like child pornography to cause serious legal implications to the site owner.
• For SEO purpose by injection the hidden keywords on guiltless sites to reduce and eliminate listing from Google search engine.
• Website hacking to misuse bandwidth in order to distribute illegal products or carry out illegal activities without knowing the server owner.

This is all about website hackers and the reasons why the web hackers are hacking a website. Therefore, it is always important to know how to protect the PC from hacking and prevent getting hacked.

2: Email Hacking

Email hacking is illegal to access or manipulation email account or correspondence. And by using different ways a hacker illegally gains access to another email account.

Email is a highly used platform to communicate with one another. And email hacking is one of the most common platforms for hackers and is a highly widespread hazard nowadays.

Hacking the email account allow the hackers to access third party personal and confidential information from the mail. Not only this, the attackers can read the latest incoming and outgoing email as a genuine owner.

Even on some email platforms, it allows them to set up automatic email processing. This is really very harmful to the genuine user.

Well, you must be thinking about how does email get hacked, the attacker uses various techniques to hack the email such as:

1. Social engineering
2. Phishing attacks
3. Cookie Hijacking
4. By Keyloggers

This is all about email hacking and how the email gets hacked. And it is really important to protect your devices from hackers.

3: Network Hacking

Network hacking is a network attack using technical skills to gather information about domain a control data passing through the network connection. Hackers use network hacking tools like Telnet, Ping, Tracert, Netstat, etc. to get access to the computer networking hacking.

Computer networking hacking is any practical effort to employ normal network behaviour connections and systems connected.

Well, hackers and hacking are usually related to malicious programming attacks on networks and computers. Network Hacking is used to affecting millions of billions of computers connected to the internet.

The hackers are very sophisticated criminals so hacking the computer networks is done through scripts and other network software.

These software programs are specially designed that commonly control data passing through a network connection and to obtain complete information almost how the aimed system works.

Therefore make sure to follow the keep your computer safe from hackers.

4: Password Hacking

Password hacking is an advanced practice to recover secret passwords from data stored in or spread via the computer system.

Well, it is also known as password cracking, the crackers attempt to gain illegal access to the limited system using common passwords or algorithms which guess passwords.

Or in simple language, it is the art of obtaining the right password without the consent of the account holder.

Well, a number of techniques are employed to gain access to passwords of other networks like Instagram, Wifi, Facebook, Gmail, ID & other confidential passwords.

Techniques used by the hackers to crack passwords:

• Hashing
• Guessing
• Defaults passwords
• Brute Force
• Phishing

This is a very miserable situation as it can cause serious damage to your life. So avoid using the password that can be easily cracked, like your birthday, anniversary date, your name, etc.

Also, make sure to learn how to secure your computer from hackers and stay safe online.

5: Online Banking Hacking

Online banking hacking is the process of hacking bank account details, credit cards, debit cards, net banking passwords to gain access to anyone bank account and withdrawal money without their consent.

Hacking bank online is on the rise, daily we come to know plenty of banking hacks where the hackers swap millions of dollars without leaving any traces.

This is the reason why you need to be curious about your devices, personal information and extra smart when using the web. Also, know how to protect your computer against hackers.

The hackers follow various techniques to hijack or compromise any computer and exploit the bank account information. Some of the techniques are:

• Phishing – Through these techniques, the hackers hack the passwords and login details of the website.
• Trojan – Type of virus that steals confidential information and comes in many forms like keyloggers or RATs
• Sessions Hijacking – This is a wireless network hacking where the hackers access the internet data transfer and redirect the users somewhere to hack the account details.

Well, these are 5 different types of computer hacking and how it is done, now learn the device that can be hacked to perform computer hacking:

Things That Can Be Hacked in Your Computer:

The hackers not only hack our computers or smartphones. There are other things as well that leaves us vulnerable without even realizing it.

So here learn the other computer devices that get hacked:

Printers: The printer is the most common way to get into your computer or laptop. The hackers can steal your card information, or install the malicious code that transfers to your PC/laptop or gain access to the information you scanned earlier.

Wi-Fi Routers: This is the highly susceptive item you have in your home or office. This allows the hackers to hack each device connected to the routers just by hacking the box (Wi-Fi router). And you can’t even imagine how badly it affects you. So, make sure you should know how to protect your computer from hackers and viruses.

Webcam: It is the most important computer equipment that is utilized in a variety of ways. But these are the most serious threats to privacy incursion.  And if a hacker gains access then they can cause possibly terrible consequences.

Wireless Mouse or Keyboard: Yes, if you are using a wireless mouse or keyboard then you are at the risk of getting attacked. The hackers send packets of information on the same frequency the mouse or keyboard utilize to link with the USB dongle plugged into a computer.

So, these are vulnerable things that are the gateway for the hackers to get into your computer without your realization. Therefore below learn how to protect your PC from hackers and stay safe online.

In this Internet age where various things are interconnected to make life easier for us. But this is what also made things easier for hackers to gain access to personal and confidential information without your knowledge.

Therefore it is very necessary to know how to protect your computer from hackers.

Here learn the best ways to protect your computer from hackers:

1: Use a Firewall.

Well, most of the computer operating system has inbuilt firewalls, to prevent the illegal access to the business network and provide notifications of the unauthorized attempts.

So, it is very important to make sure the firewall is enabled on your computer before going online. If in case the firewall are not running then make sure to enable it.

Follow the steps to start Windows firewall > first go to Control Panel > then System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > and then click Turn Windows Firewall On or Off.

Also, make sure to check the alerts shown by the firewall.

2: Install an Antivirus Software

Antivirus software plays an important role in protecting your system from viruses, malware, and other malicious threats. This scan and detect malicious threats before they cause any harm to you.

So, make sure to choose the advanced antivirus software that offers complete protection against harmful viruses, malware, Trojans from injecting into your system.

There are plenty of advanced antiviruses available on the web that promises to offers automatic updates, and also guarding your system against the latest malicious viruses and threat created every day.

Also, make sure to perform daily or scheduled scans to keep your system safe.

Get Spyhunter to make your computer virus-free

3: Use Strong Passwords

Using strong passwords is very important to avoid unauthorized invasions into your computer and other networks. A stronger password is hard for hackers to crack and get into your system.

The hackers have a collection of password hacking tools, to crack the easy and short passwords in a blink of an eye. So it is very important to use a complex password that is not easily cracked and identified.

A strong and secure password means a password that has at least eight characters, a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. 

Avoid using passwords that are easily recognizable like using birthdays, anniversary days and other connected information. Also, avoid using the same passwords on different platforms for extra security.

4: Always Update your OS, apps & Browser

Updating the operating system, apps and browser is a good habit to make it more safe and secure. Many updates contain security updates that stop hackers from retrieving and misusing the data.

So, make sure to check for the updates for your apps, OS, and browsers to add an extra layer of security. Also, check the browser security settings to install new updates and prevent the website from tracking your browsing.

5: Ignore Spam

You need to be aware of the email or messages from strangers and avoid opening the links and emails attachments sent by them.

Well, in recent years the spammers have updated their tricks and become good at spamming.  So you need to beware of the unknown, phishing emails and prevent opening them and minimizing the risk of getting hacked.

6: Protect the Network

If you are using a Wi-Fi router or got a new router then make sure to set the security.  Make sure to log in to the router and set a strong password, by using an encrypted setup. Also, make sure to change the password every month for additional security.

This will minimize the risk of getting hacked and prevent the attackers from invading your network and messing with the settings.

And this will help you to protect your computer from hackers.

7: Use Two-factor Authentication

Setting a complex password is the first route of defence against hackers, but adding a second layer adds an extra layer of protection.

Well, there are many online firms such as Google, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft that allow you to enable two-factor authentication.

This needs to add in a numerical code and also the password at the time you log in. Adding this simple two-factor authentication will make your account more secure and safe for outsiders.

8: Utilize Encryption

Encryption is really important to keep yourself secure and prevent hackers to access any information.

Using encryption won’t allow anyone to access your information even if anyone is able to steal your data. You can encrypt the Windows or MAC operating system hard drive using BitLocker or FileVault, also encrypt the USB flash drive, and make use of the VPN to encrypt the web traffic.

And, this will help you to keep your computer safe from hackers.

9: Cover the Webcam

REMIND IT…! This might sound ridiculous but it is the easiest and effective way to prevent anyone from spying you via computer webcam.

Despite this many retailers are offering covers to attach webcam and you can slide it to open and close.

This is the quick and easiest way to protect your computer from hackers.

10: Shut down your Computer

Shutting down your machine is necessary to avoid various PC issues and optimize computer performance.

Well, there are many businesses especially the one operating a web server requires the system running all the time. But, if you are not running a web server-based business, then make sure to switch off the computer when not working.

All-time running machine not only destroys the system performance but also make it easy for hackers to attack your computer.

So, it is necessary to shut down the machine to break the connection that the hackers established with the network and cause possible trouble.

These are the best solutions to prevent hacking and stay safe online.

What is the Future of Hacking?

It is not hard to predict the future of hacking. In the last few years, it has gone from a niche to true mainstream.

As the whole world is becoming web-based, and the power of the internet is growing, so there are ample chances the hackers also develop.

There is the possibility of hacking has a bright future. And is clear, with the shocking attack on the Democratic National Committee. This might be the first time a foreign power (Russia) has utilized hacking in order to effect an election.

And as the Internet of Things is developing you can’t even imagine, how the hackers can mess with your mind with the highly developed tactics.

It can be estimated in the coming years the hacks and cybercrime have a future that we haven’t seen yet and also we aren’t aware of.

Well, it is not all doom and gloom but we also need to learn how to stay safe online and follow the best solutions to prevent getting hacked.

What is IoT & How it Works?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an idea of connecting any device to the internet and the other connected devices. It is huge web of connected people and things, those accumulate and share information with their connected devices, manufacturer or the operators.

IoT comprises various extraordinary devices of different shapes and sizes – from the smart microwave that cooks food in the right measurement of time automatically to smart Cars, which can detect its path entities and the fitness devices that measure the heart rate and the number of steps you have taken. And using that information it also suggests exercise plans for you.

Well, IoT is a visualization built today with a belief of massive expansion by 2020 as networks move the previous computers to control tons of other devices like parking meters. Home thermostats and others.

Here watch the video to know how IoT works:

Well undoubtedly the internet of things is a raging technology, but it is also true every emerging technology has a dark side also.

The increase of the IoT devices has opened the door for the hackers, these devices can be easily hacked. Also, there are many devices that have no right security models as they are manufactured by smaller companies.

So, here learn the pros and cons of using the Internet of Things in our lives:

Pros of IoT

• Easy to communicate
• Save Costs and Energy
• Provide sufficient information easily
• Increased productivity
• Offer automation and control in working

Cons of IoT

• Increase Privacy Theft
• Vulnerable to hackers
• Dependency on technology
• Lesser Employment

So this is about IoT, well it won’t mean we should not move with the latest technology but positively investigate and study its dark side as well to be organized for the outcomes.

Conclusion:

As the World is becoming web-based, the opportunity for the hacker is also growing. Therefore it is really necessary to follow the best preventive methods to stay safe online.

Well, in this article I tried my best to list down the worthy information about computer hacking and how to protect your computer from hackers.

Read the article to know how the hackers attack your computer and how to prevent being hacked on your computer.

Despite this, you can also scan your system with the Windows Repair Tool, to get rid of the various computer errors and improve your Windows PC performance.

If you are having any query, or suggestion or anything that I missed out then feel free to share with us in the comment section below.

Good Luck…!

Hardeep has always been a Windows lover ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP PC. She has always been enthusiastic about technological stuff, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing. Before joining PC Error Fix, she worked as a freelancer and worked on numerous technical projects.

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