| Computer hacking and identity theft works side by | | | | vulnerability that is being improved with every new |
| side nowadays. The accessibility and flexibility of the | | | | editions of said browser. If you use an older browser, |
| internet has allowed computer hackers to access | | | | chances are, hackers can easily enter your computer |
| varied personal data online which are then sold to | | | | because of the browser that you use. |
| identity thieves. This has been an on-going business | | | | 4. Exploiting unsecured wireless networks or secured |
| that profits both the hacker and the identity thief at the | | | | wireless networks that have very weak or poor |
| expense of the victim. | | | | password protections. Hackers can easily get inside a |
| Who are more prone to computer hacking? | | | | wireless network and view what everyone in the |
| The computer systems of small business are the most | | | | network is viewing in their screen. When you enter |
| vulnerable to identity theft. These small business | | | | your personal information, a hacker on the other end |
| typically do not have large-scale security systems that | | | | might be recording it to be used for their identity theft |
| can protect their database and client information. | | | | activities. |
| Computer hackers can easily access customer credit | | | | 5. Previous employees or trusted users who access |
| card information and employee payroll files as these | | | | their company's computer using their insider knowledge |
| data are typically unguarded. Often, these small | | | | to get inside. These people are often disgruntled when |
| businesses do not have access logs which keeps | | | | they leave the company so they seek to get even by |
| track of the date, time and person who accessed | | | | hacking into the system. |
| there sensitive information. Without this, they will not be | | | | What can i do about computer hacking? |
| able to know if their database or payroll information | | | | There are a couple of steps that you can do to evade |
| have been stolen and if it was, these small businesses | | | | computer hackers and potential identity theft. Here are |
| will have no idea at all. | | | | some tips: |
| How does computer hacking take place? | | | | 1. Ensure that all the computers in your home or in your |
| Hacking attacks can be performed in a couple of | | | | office are using the latest firewalls and have anti-virus |
| ways: | | | | programs installed on their computers. These |
| 1. Hacking computer that have their firewalls disabled | | | | programs should be updated as well, or else they will |
| or not installed. Hackers also crash on wireless | | | | not serve their purpose. |
| networks that do not have router firewalls enabled or | | | | 2. Use the latest browser or if you've gone fond of |
| installed. | | | | your new one, make sure that you update the patches |
| 2. Sending out email attachments that contain | | | | for your browser. |
| keystroke loggers or other malicious software that | | | | 3. Using your anti-virus program and anti-spyware |
| embeds itself unknowingly on its victims' computers. | | | | software, scan your computer regularly for any |
| These programs record every keystroke done by the | | | | potential malwares. |
| victims in their computer and send it out when the | | | | 4. Be wary about the websites that you open. Do not |
| victims goes online. | | | | click on just anything and avoid downloading everything |
| 3. Attacking individual consumers who use old versions | | | | that you see as "free download. |
| of browsers. These old browsers have certain | | | | |