If you do not observe certain security measures in using your internet connected PC, chances are you could become a good candidate to be a hacker’s next victim. People who have been hacked suffer the consequences of losing money in their bank accounts and having their credit cards run-up. Millions of dollars worth of money have also already been reported stolen by these hackers and phishers who lurk right inside any person’s computer. If you think that online thieves can only victimize dumb people, think again. Online thieves are more intellectual than they seem and are growing more skilled in stealing financial and personal data from their victims. In 2005, for example, a hacker was able to infiltrate a well secured government military computer. So before you take it for granted the threats that these hackers pose, you must ask yourself if you are a hacker’s ideal victim.
Do you read unsolicited emails? If you read unsolicited emails from people that you do not know regardless of how relevant the email subjects appear, you endanger yourself of being victimized of hackers. Online thieves make use of spamming, or sending unsolicited messages to send malicious spyware that can help them get the information that they need from you. Spyware often come as an attachment in the email. When you open these attachments, the spyware embeds itself right into your computer system stealing important information that is saved in your computer system or even recording your keystrokes. Phishers also make use of email to directly get from you your credit and bank account numbers by sending you messages that appear to come from your credit or merchant companies. When you try and login to the seemingly official sites your passwords and login names are stolen.
Do you have an anti spam software installed in your computer? If you answer no, you are more likely to be victimized by online thieves. Many computer users complain about the prohibitive cost of buying anti spam/spy software but the cost can be well worth it if it stops you from becoming a victim. Spam blockers can block files and messages that online thieves send to spy on your computer. The best thing about spam blockers is that they can block spy programs and spoofed email messages before they even arrive in your computer. Without a spam blocker, online thieves can continue to send you files and messages regularly and it is likely that you will fall into one of their traps, even if by mistake..
Do you create strong passwords? With strong passwords I mean passwords that are not common and cannot easily be identified by thieves. You use weak passwords when you use your surname or phone number because this is general information that any good hacker can easily get. You can create a strong password by making a lengthy password consists of letters, numbers and even symbols. You will need a strong password to protect the information that you have stored in your computer or in your online accounts. A strong password will keep online thieves from stealing information from you which they can use to buy merchandises, apply for loans and open new credit accounts at your expense.
Written By: Jay Grant - Staff Writer, www.TopUrlSearch.com
