Hacking and Internet Security

Internet security is an absolute necessity today. The number of threats that are deliberately perpetrated on the public is mind boggling. This makes it imperative that all computers be protected from threats that exist in cyberspace.There has to be a reason for this proliferation of intrusions. One reason is that as the job market becomes more difficult people are looking for ways to make money. The other reason is that some individuals prefer to be parasites and life off the avails of others if they can get away with it.r use for their profit.

On the other side of the situation are the computer users who trust that they can share information, make purchases and do business on the internet safely. In this regard, software developers also have the burden to make their software safe so that users are not unwittingly exposed to threats invading their homes and businesses to gain personal information and business secrets. Ultimately we are the first line of defense and some of the following steps we can minimize the risk.

Protect yourself from unwanted intrusion.

Hackers exploit browser loopholes to gain access to systems for unsavory reasons. Users need to update their browser software regularly so that loopholes that are discovered can be fixed. Microsoft, Firefox and other browser software companies do regular updates that should be installed.

Hackers target the application layer of the computer because most users are using firewalls to protect themselves from unwanted intrusion. Quite a few of the intrusion that occurs is through some of the software that we use to run our systems. These circumstances make it necessary to do regular software updates so that bugs are corrected.

Another method of intrusion is through email. Most email servers now carry antivirus and anti spam software that checks the content of emails to ensure that no virus or Trojans are downloaded with email messages. We must ensure that our fire wall protects our email software.

When doing business online we should use only safe sites that have the lock symbol on the top that tells us that we are on a safe site. Check the security of the sites from which we make purchases and ensure they are secure sites. We can recognize this by looking for the address that has ‘Https:” address that tells that the site is a secure site.

In conclusion every user needs to make sure that they install firewall software on their computers in order to protect themselves from external intrusion. Microsoft has a free firewall software program that can be downloaded and installed. Black Ice firewall program and may others by Norton Symantec, MacAffee and others. Every computer should be running an antivirus to trap and remove viruses that are everywhere. Updates for software should be run regularly to ensure that known security flaws may be protected. In companies wireless networks should be secured with strong password to provide another level of external security.

On the other side of the situation are the computer users who trust that they can share information, make purchases and do business on the internet safely. In this regard, software developers also have the burden to make their software safe so that users are not unwittingly exposed to threats invading their homes and businesses to gain personal information and business secrets. Ultimately we are the first line of defense and some of the following steps we can minimize the risk.

Protect yourself from unwanted intrusion.

1. Hackers exploit browser loopholes to gain access to systems for unsavory reasons. Users need to update their browser software regularly so that loopholes that are discovered can be fixed. Microsoft, Firefox and other browser software companies do regular updates that should be installed. 

2.Hackers target the application layer of the computer because most users are using firewalls to protect themselves from unwanted intrusion. Quite a few of the intrusion that occurs is through some of the software that we use to run our systems. These circumstances make it necessary to do regular software updates so that bugs are corrected.

3. Another method of intrusion is through email. Most email servers now carry antivirus and anti spam software that checks the content of emails to ensure that no virus or Trojans are downloaded with email messages. We must ensure that our fire wall protects our email software.

4.When doing business online we should use only safe sites that have the lock symbol on the top that tells us that we are on a safe site. Check the security of the sites from which we make purchases and ensure they are secure sites. We can recognize this by looking for the address that has ‘Https:” address that tells that the site is a secure site.

In conclusion every user needs to make sure that they install firewall software on their computers in order to protect themselves from external intrusion. Microsoft has a free firewall software program that can be downloaded and installed. Black Ice firewall program and may others by Norton Symantec, MacAffee and others. Every computer should be running an antivirus to trap and remove viruses that are everywhere. Updates for software should be run regularly to ensure that known security flaws may be protected. In companies wireless networks should be secured with strong password to provide another level of external security.