Advances in computer technology is a
double-edged sword. On one hand, it affords us quick and easy access to
numerous conveniences such as bank statements, favorite shopping centers,
school and health records, and more. On the other hand, it can also grant the
same access to those who aren’t supposed to get it. Although it’s a rare
occurrence, hacking has become the biggest criminal nuisance in computer
history.
Make no bones about it. There’s nothing
innocent or cute about the hacker. Today’s hackers aren’t the pimply-faced teen
rebels that you might be thinking of. Instead, this generation of hackers are
grown individuals who are more than likely earning a living by stealing the
identities of innocent, law abiding individuals and then selling those
identities to others who want to slip by the system. And the only protection
against these seedy people is prevention.
Computer security couldn’t be more
important than it is today and that’s why we’ve taken the time to introduce it
to you. You can reduce the probability
of experiencing identity theft by making your computer as hacker-proof as
possible. All that’s needed is a little software and a lot of common sense.
1. Install an anti-virus/anti-spyware
program. Anti-virus/anti-spyware software will stop malicious code from
downloading and installing onto your computer while you peruse the Internet.
Known as viruses, worms, or spyware, this malicious code can destroy important
files and render your computer good for only one thing: sending sensitive data
back to the server of an identity thief.
2. Don’t store sensitive data on your
computer in the first place. Should your computer get infected with a virus,
worm, or piece of spyware, you can thwart the individuals responsible by not
storing your personal information on your PC so that when and if your computer
does send back data – it won’t be anything valuable. Hackers look for things
like full names, social security numbers, phone numbers, home addresses,
work-related information, and credit card numbers. If these things aren’t saved
onto a computer, there’s nothing critical to worry about other than restoring
your computer to a non-virus condition.
3. Don’t open files without scanning them
with an anti-virus/anti-spyware program. In the past, the warning was to avoid
opening files from people that you don’t know. Today it’s really not safe to
open files from anyone (without scanning the files) because that’s how viruses
get spread – through files - even by mistake. So even though your co-worker may
have emailed a funny video, it’s no more safe to open than a video downloaded
from a complete stranger. Be safe and scan each and every file you download
from the Internet or receive through email regardless of where it came from.
4. Create a barrier between your computer
and prying eyes. Anti-virus/anti-spyware programs are only effective after the
effect. But you can prevent identity theft from occurring by installing a
firewall. A firewall is software that checks all data entering and exiting a
computer and it then blocks that which doesn’t meet specified security criteria
(user-defined rules).
5. Don’t click on website links in spam
messages. In an effort to obtain personal information, some spammers will send
email that asks you to click on a link. The email messages are often disguised
as important messages from well-known online establishments, and they often try
to scare their readers into clicking links with threats of closing an account of
some sort. Sometimes the links are harmless and attempt to con the reader into
volunteering personal information (credit card number), but other times the
links attempt to download harmful software onto a computer.
Your best protection against computer
crimes is your own knowledge. Hopefully the suggestions above will prompt you
into taking appropriate action and into protecting your computer with the
suggested tools. In doing so, you’ll not only protect yourself, you’ll prevent
the spread of these malicious activities and protect others at the same time.
