Hackers attack the weak spots in your security system.  They search for the vuneralabilities and violate what you thought was safe and secure.  Nothing is off limits.  E-mails, websites, networks, bank accounts, operating systems, etc..etc.  Many people do not think hackers pose a threat to them.  They don't want to spend the time and/or money to protect their computer.  Some people live in small towns where they never have to lock their homes or cars.  However the internet is a big town.  It's not the same as the quiet street where nothing happens.  Hackers can create computer problems that are a challenge for even the most technically gifted. 

Here are some simple steps to protect your self from this computer problem.


Passwords

Passwords need to be long, difficult, and changed periodically.  Here are some examples of weak, medium, strong, and really strong passwords.

Weak:  abcdefg
Weak:  dogbite
Weak:  elephant
Weak:  hocuspocus

Medium:  stop4now
Medium:  jamesbond007
Medium:  English101
Medium:  BOAT2RIDE

Strong:  SupeRman__99
Strong:  Babe_Rut4-wasHere
Strong:  Bi11-Gate5=Micr0s0ft
Strong:  Jupiter_and_12_m00ns-09ef

Really Strong:  o*U93gH!)^erQ
Really Strong:  U7uh%%2xEg$;lkj#
Really Strong:  nn(4(#tkk><qq663g_-02vnU4*
Really Strong:  i9&goE4!."7el5_=42#

Really strong passwords are the most secure.  If you have a weak password on your email account but a strong one on your bank account you may want to consider changing the weak password.  Here's why.  Let's say a hacker finds out what bank you use but he can't crack the strong password you set.  The weak link in your security would be your email account.  The hacker could go to your bank account and say he forgot the password.  The bank sends you the new password to your email address and the hacker signs into your email and obtains the information needed to get into your bank account.  This would be the type of computer problem you would not want obviously.  Imagine waking up to find your bank account wiped out.  Talk about having a bad day. 

Some people make all the passwords the same for everything.  They never change them.  They think theft identity and having your bank account hacked is something that happens to other people. 

Anti Spy ware Protection

Another tool a hacker uses is spy ware.  "Key logger" software is readily available all over the internet.  This type of software basically records everything you type and records everything you see.  So a really strong password is useless as the hacker can see your password.  The Anti spy ware prevents this type of software from being loaded into your computer. 

Firewall Protection

This is another layer of protection that prevents computer problems.  If the hacker is able to put spy ware by decepting the anti spy ware then the hacker needs the information sent to him.  The malicious program will try to send the data it collected from your computer to the hacker's computer or wherever the hacker wants the data sent.  The firewall will see the attempt to send unauthorized data out of your computer and block it from leaving. 

Hackers Update Tools And So Should You

It's a vicious cycle.  As we update our defenses, hackers are updating their weapons.  So keep yourself updated on how to protect yourself.  Update your operating system.  If you have the ability to set your computer to "automatic updates" then do it.  If you don't want to pay for the security software you can also get it for free in our Free Utilities section.