subject: How To Safeguard Your Computer [print this page] Technology has made it possible for hackers to steal personal information without ever setting foot in your home. If you are surfing the internet then these individuals may have access to every bit of information that you have stored on your computer. These hackers are crafty individuals, able to sniff around your safeguards with ease. However, there is no need to fret. There are a few safety precautions that you can follow that will shield you from these advances. Follow the advice given below and you will no longer need to fear those faceless internet predators.
1. Be Selective in Your Web Searches
One of the best ways to avoid internet hackers looking for your personal information is to simply avoid the places where they hide. If you only go to reputable websites that have security embedded in their websites, then chances of having your information stolen will greatly decrease. Conversely, if you are not discriminatory in your searches, you may visit a website that houses bad code, leading to a leak of your sensitive information.
Also, be wary of peer-to-peer services. These programs allow you to share information with other users, such as music or movies. However, prodigious hackers can use this same networking program to sniff out personal information on your computer, such as bank accounts, that you don't want them to know about. As always, exercise caution and don't go anywhere on the internet that seems questionable.
2. Only Share Personal Information with Trusted Sites
This may seem like common sense, but you should only share your personal information with trusted sites that offer verified security. There are a large number of websites that offer heavily discounted deals on merchandise. These deals may be too good to pass up, but always remember that if the website doesn't look professional or you have never heard of it before, that you run the risk of having your personal information stolen when you supply your bank account information. The product you are purchasing may be heavily discounted, but it still doesn't make it worth it to have your bank account wiped out on account of an unsecured payment transaction.
3. Be Cautious
This last piece of advice may seem like another bit of common sense, and it is, but it works: be cautious. If you don't feel good about a website, leave, and don't give them any of your personal information. The more proactive you can be in avoiding questionable websites, the better chance you have of avoiding a catastrophic data leak.
Protect your personal information by following the advice given above. If you do, you will have no problem avoiding the scammers, hackers, and predators that roam the internet looking for readily available personal information. And then if you want to know advanced security practices, consider security awareness training.
