Top 5 Ways to Avoid Cyber Attacks

July 2nd, 2010

In many ways technology has made our lives much simpler. It can save time, help avoid mess, and has much greater capabilities than we ever could have dreamed of. With all of these advantages, there is obviously a downfall. Viruses and identity theft are not new issues, but recently, individuals and companies are at a much greater risk as a result of the unanticipated increase in internet and technology use. Take a look at our top 5 ways to protect yourself from such an attack so that you won’t be the next victim.1) Anti-virus software: This is a crucial element of online protection and there are many companies that offer extensive and trusted products to protect your computer from a virus. A Firewall, which hides your system from hackers, is also one of the best ways to avoid a cyber attack. However, by wary of unknown, online products offering anti-virus software. These can actually be viruses posing as such software, and when downloaded will infect your computer.2) Keep personal information off your system: Many people make the mistake of storing passwords, bank account numbers, and passwords on their computer. This can be extremely dangerous, because in the event of someone hacking into your system, they would have all the information necessary for identity theft.3) Spam Filters: Most email providers offer some sort of spam filtering software and you should always utilize this feature. Viruses often enter a system through spam and email attachments. Additionally, you should never download anything from the Internet if you aren’t sure of the source as this is another way viruses find their way into your system.4) Vary Passwords: It’s easy to use the same password for all your accounts but this can prove to be very dangerous. If one account is hacked there is a potential for many of your other accounts to be compromised. Use difficult and varied passwords and keep a handwritten list to reference each account.5) Only Use Trusted Online Shopping: So many of our purchases are now made online, but it’s very important to be sure of the source before you ever provide credit card and billing information, as this is ideal information for a hacker.Eliminating internet and computer use from your life is impossible, so be sure to practice safe computing habits to protect yourself from cyber attacks.

Posted in Protection | Comments Off

Comments are closed.