Hackers Are Getting Better: Can We Keep Up?

Cyber Security  

How can businesses and individuals protect themselves and their information against from today's computer hackers? Here's a look at four simple strategies for hack-proofing both your personal and professional life to avoid data loss.

The Internet can seem like a daunting place to go perusing, especially when you consider the rise in identity theft and cyber-attacks. It's even scarier when you realize that even large entities like Sony, the White House and the U.S. State Department have all been targets.

This, with good reason, raises a pretty valid question: How in the world can businesses and individuals protect themselves and their information against these attacks? Here's a look at four simple tips to help you do just that.

Related articles Ricoh Omni-Directional Camera Takes Stunning Shots  Use Gesture Interfaces Throughout Your Home Using Only a WiFi Signal  Singularity or Bust

Turn Off Your Computer When You're Not Using It

In today's fast-paced world, it seems extremely hard to justify that extra wait for your computer to boot up. We want to connect, and we want to do it now. The problem, though, is that this mentality also leaves our computers more susceptible to attacks.

True, encryption and firewall protection measures go a long way toward protecting your computer when it's on, but turning it off when not in use does an even better job at this by severing the connection that would-be attackers would normally use.

Avoid Using Free Wi-Fi

In this economy, it seems like a pleasant bonus when we have access to free Internet. Of course, non-malicious users aren't the only ones grateful for this; hackers are too! These services typically aren't password protected, so using them is an easy way to let hackers gain access to your computer -- and everything on it.

Be Careful What You Download, Especially from Email

This tip is simple: If you don't recognize who sent you the email, don't open it. Well, at least be extremely cautious about it, and be especially wary about downloading attachments from Email if you don't recognize the sender. Willfully downloading them gives any malicious code in the attachment virtually full access to your computer.

Use Flash Drives Cautiously At Work

An Ottawa managed services expert says business leaders must be proactive about protecting their data. This means managers and owners should keep a close eye on the data transfer devices which enter and leave their office. Flash drives may be a convenient way to pass files around the office, but they can be dangerous. You may not realize it, but flash drives, also called thumb drives, are also a fantastic way to spread viruses that you may have inadvertently downloaded.

In closing, here's a bonus tip. Subscribe to a service to monitor your credit score. In addition to giving you an instant view of your credit score, you'll also be able to detect if your personal data is being used to make unwanted transactions. Hackers and cyber-attacks aren't going anywhere for the foreseeable future, so anything you can do to protect yourself or your business is worth the investment.

By Emma Sturgis

Embed

Author Bio - Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston, MA. She writes most often on education and technology. When not writing, she enjoys watching old movies and indoor rock climbing.