Hackers are becoming more sneaky when trying to steal and damage your software and steal your personal information. This is why we think it’s essential that this blog post is shared everywhere. We cannot stress enough how important it is to take the relevant precautions in to making your PC hacker repellent. This blog post will give you some simple tips to protect your computer against hackers, ransomware and malware.
What is Ransomware?
For those who do not know, ransomware is a piece of software that hackers create. It is designed to encrypt all the files on a computer until an amount of money is paid to the owner of the malicious software, i.e. a ransom.
What is Malware?
This is a piece of software that is designed to destroy, damage or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.
Install and update anti-virus software
Installing anti-virus software is the the most important software you need on any PC. However, some people do not even think to install it and this is when the PC becomes an easy target. This is because there is no wall to break down and hackers gain easy access. There’s a lot of anti-virus software’ available on the market because it’s a must have piece of software. Here are some of the recommended anti-virus programs:
- McAfee Anti-virus Plus (2017)
- Webroot SecureAnywhere Anti-virus
- Bitdefender Anti Virus Plus
You can read up on information and prices here
Keep Windows up to date
If your PC alerts you that there are updates that need installing, do not leave them! The longer you leave them, the easier it will be to hack. Sometimes it may not indicate you have updates, so you are best of checking every so often just to be sure.
You can also set your updates to be done automatically. If you have a tendency to forget things like this, then you’re best off having this setting on.
Switch on the Windows Firewall and Anti-Virus
Windows 10 has a Firewall and anti-virus already installed. Both are designed to block any unwanted attention via the internet.
Do not click on unfamiliar emails and/or attachments
This is one of the main ways for computer hacking. If you do not recognise the sender or the email looks suspicious, do not click on any link or even better do not open the email.
Lots of scam emails usually ask you to ‘verify’ your details with your bank by putting in your personal details and bank details. Unless you received a call from your bank or have full confirmation with them do not attempt to fill it in.
Keep your passwords private and strong
Passwords are there for a reason. They should be kept private to you and you shouldn’t tell anybody what it is. If they need to log on to your account (someone you know) then log them in appropriately. There is no point in you having a password if you give it out to everyone.
When creating a password, you should have a mixture of upper and lower case letters, a number and a special character. The more complex the password is then the harder it is to crack. Which password looks more appropriate:
The second one, because it has a mixture of everything in it (just don’t have your password as password). Also do not use something so simple such as your name or your date of birth because it’s easy for a hacker to guess.