Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Computers
  4. / Internet
  5. / Internet Security And Hacking

by Sigma6 on October 7th, 2003

Sigma6

Question

Help answer this question below.

What are the basic things to do to protect my computer from hackers?

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. Showing one answer.

  • by Sigma6 on October 7th, 2003

    Sigma6

    MOST IMPORTANT: Make sure your software has all the latest patches. Hackers usually take advantage of known software weaknesses, so if you keep up-to-date with your patches, you'll be a much tougher target.

    Make sure all unused processes or programs are shut down. Every process or program on your computer that's running, particularly Internet-aware programs, can be access points for hackers. Microsoft has long been criticized for having Windows install Internet Information Server by default, and that program alone accounts for a huge number of hacks because a lot of people don't even know they have it running. Also, every piece of software that is running gives you another piece of software that you need to keep patched regularly, so fewer programs = less work for you.

    Turn off Windows file and print sharing if you don't need it.

    Use a firewall of some sort. Without getting too technical, a firewall will help you minimize the number of attack methods a hacker can use. I've had good results with Norton Internet Security, but there are several programs available for this, and some hardware-based firewalls as well.

    Check your logs once in a while. Most operating systems have some sort of log function that will show when certain processes have been started and stopped, so check occasionally to make sure it matches with your usage pattern.

    Do NOT launch files sent to you through email from someone you don't know, and it's good practice to run any programs you do want to launch through an anti-virus program first.

    Do NOT give out your password to anyone who calls you on the phone.

    If you receive an email out of the blue that says you need to verify your password by going to a certain website, be very wary. Some miscreants use this technique to steal passwords on a website that looks like a legit website.

    Comments
    • Like
    • Report

    4 comments | Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading What are the basic things to do to protect my computer from hackers?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

Answerbag

a Demand Media company