HACKING

HACKING

A Hacker is someone who seeks and exploits weaknesses in a computer system or computer network to get an access to it.

The hacker can use different sets of tools/programs to achieve his end objective of hacking can include:

·   Cracking passwords using tools to gain entry into someone’s personal account.

                                                                                 

·   Using social engineering methods to obtain personal information.

·   Creating/sending viruses/worms on the network, installing software in computers to get access to personal information of people who would login to those computers, etc.

Creating fake e-commerce websites to access credit/debit card details. They can also gain entry to servers which have containing information of debit cards of clients or customers.

How you can be a Victim of Hacking in Daily Life

You need to be careful in day-to-day Internet Operations. In public place computers of Cyber Cafes your information can be easily stolen:

1.  When you give your pen drive in a cyber café for printouts, there can be programs already installed on the system so that all the contents of your pen drive will be automatically copied onto the computer without your knowledge and consent. So always be sure that you take a formatted pen drive with just the minimum required data to such places.

2.  There could be keyloggers programs installed which record all the keystrokes done on the computer. When you login to your e-mail account, facebook account or enter your debit card information, all the information can be recorded on the computer without your knowledge.

3.  Even if you are surfing internet in a cyber café or in public places, somebody in the network could be watching the site you are visiting, password you are entering and all other online activities.

WAY TO N IDEA- sometimes when you are accessing internet by Wi-Fi on public places, there may be many other persons who are connected and be able to see your files and information. For this change setting in your laptop/computer by-

1.    Go to Control Panel

2.  Open Network and Internet

3.  Then click network and sharing center option

4.  There, top-left side you will find Advanced Sharing settings, click on it.

5.  In private Bar, turn off both network discovery and file and printer sharing.

6.  Click n save changes

At time if you have to share files or network to someone, follow these steps and then turn on the settings.

Even while chatting on a social networking site, never click on any link or install a software sent by some unknown person as it could be a Trojan which once installed on your computer can make your computer vulnerable to the hacker. The hacker can view and control your computer remotely.

HOW TO PREVENT AND RESPOND TO HACKING

·     Make sure your computer has a firewall installed and configured an anti-virus software and is updated regularly.

·     Don’t keep your broadband internet switched on at all times. This can give the hacker ample time to hack your computer. Make sure you switch it off when you are using the internet.

·     Make sure you choose a difficult password/key for your wireless modem, if you are using one.

·     Do not share your personal computer or laptop with any untrusted people. If you have to, monitor all his/her movements.

READ MORE- GOOGLE 2- STEP SECURITY