PC Security

Beware of Hackers

Question for you ...

Would you leave your car in the driveway, overnight, with the windows open, the key in the ignition, and the engine idling?

I didn't think so.

So why would you leave your PC turned on, connected to the Internet, and just have the monitor turn off after an hour? Any hacker can connect to your system and do just about anything to it. Even with normal, responsible, secure operation of a PC, bad things still happen.

You don’t need to invite trouble.

If you are using a Dial Up Internet connection, you have the best security of all. I am not aware of any hacker that can get into your system when you are disconnected or not dialed in.

However, with the High Speed access that is in use today, the potential of a hacker intrusion is increased. This is because when your PC is on, you are connected to the Internet in some fashion. Your PC is visible to anyone who knows how to ask for it – AND – they ARE out there just looking around for someone to hack into.

You can minimize your PC vulnerability by following these suggestions:

• Do not leave your PC while connected to the Internet. If you need to access the Internet, connect in, do what you want to do, and then close Internet explorer.
  
  
• Keep your Windows OS software updated. I prefer to manually do this rather that using the Auto Update.
  
  
• Do NOT open any suspicious Email or attachment.
  
  
• When you are browsing the Internet, never, Never, NEVER, EVER accept a Popup Window saying that you need to download and install something. Always close the popup by selecting the “X” in the upper right corner.
  
  (Note – If you really think you need whatever was suggested, research it yourself separately to determine your requirements.)
  
  
• When you are finished with your PC session, shut it down. Yes, it takes time to start-up again but there is less of a chance of outside intrusion or misuse.

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