Img source: entrepreneur.com

How to Protect Your PC against Hackers

There are a lot of threats we face every day online and one of the biggest is hacking. This has not become a question if but when you will be hacked? The online world represents a vast market of information, available to anyone, so there is only a matter of interest when choosing the next person or company who is going to be hacked. Even if you don’t yet understand that your personal information, photographs, documents are exposed, you must take measures to protect them. You can isolate yourself from others and not use computers and other modern gadgets, but that is not a solution. We suggest a different approach which will inform you and prepare you for possible ransom-ware attacks.

In the past hackers were associated usually with politics and secret agencies, but today, you can find them in other spheres of life. While hacking is not necessarily bad, and hackers are hired to breach systems and point out flaws, here, we are talking about the other type of hacking – the illegal one. Ransom-ware is the classic example when a targeted company or a person PC has been hacked, and the personal information is locked. They will demand ransom for the availability of your data and threaten you with deleting or permanently closing your documents. Between the sea of options you can choose, the Zonealarm has proven its worth multiple times. But even with this alarm by your side, we have prepared a few tips to help you fight the problem before it occurs.

Img source: hackernoon.com

The first thing to keep your computer safe is to update your OS and other software regularly. The vulnerable outdated programs are an invitation for the hackers to come in, you can choose automatic update if it is more comfortable to your liking. Another way to protect your PC from the hackers is by enabling Microsoft product updates so that the Office Suite is updated simultaneously.

Implement two-step verification to protect your online accounts. The benefit of a two-step verification login into a requested service is the unique code that is sent to a device you opt for. From Gmail to Facebook, you have a dozen examples where this extra layer of security has brought results. Choosing for a time-based security code is a popular and practical option, a one-time code will be displayed on your phone or PC for 60 seconds after it expires a new one is provided to your named device.

Img source: information-age.com

Open Wi-Fi on your router represents a threat, avoid such a beginner’s mistake. The hackers can easily take your connection and download illegal files in a second away. Refreshing your equipment along with your password will guarantee the protection of your Wi-Fi.

The introduction of a third-party software must be from a recognizable and trusted source. The famous ads that wink your way must be avoided! Most probably, you are a step away from looking at a fake alert designed with suspicious software.

We have the only scratched the surface of the topic but hope that you have understood the message. Better safe than sorry, and with these tips above, you can start now.

Peter is a freelance writer with more than eight years of experience covering topics in politics. He was one of the guys that were here when the foreignspolicyi.org started.