| Your PC has many "ports" which are vulnerable to | | | | Viruses disguised as email attachments. Hackers |
| attack from a hacker. These ports are used to | | | | typically send out these messages to 1000s of users |
| communicate internally with your monitor or printer or | | | | with enticing headings and an attachment which they |
| externally to the internet. For example, Port 25 is used | | | | are hoping you will open. When the attachment is |
| for receiving incoming email and Port 80 is used to | | | | opened the virus loads itself onto your computer and |
| connect to the internet. | | | | allows the hacker to control your computer. |
| In addition you have a unique IP number which is | | | | Hackers also bundle Trojan viruses into free |
| assigned to your computer by your Internet Service | | | | downloads like screensavers which are commonly |
| Provide which is required for you to use the internet. | | | | installed on home user's machines. Illegal P2P networks |
| This is how you send and receive information. It also | | | | also circulated large numbers of infected files. Here are |
| serves as your computer's "address". The IP number | | | | some steps you can take: |
| looks like this - 106.185.21.243. | | | | 1) Make sure you are receiving the latest Window's |
| If you have a broadband or DSL connection your IP | | | | updates. 2) Have a good firewall installed. 3) Install a |
| address rarely changes which make your computer | | | | spyware removal tool get the spyware definitions up |
| more vulnerable. If you connect to the internet via dial | | | | to date. Run a scan at least once a week or after |
| up then you typically are assigned a new IP address | | | | being on line for a long period of time. 4) Install an anti |
| every time you log on, but this doesn't been you are | | | | virus program and keep the virus definitions up to date. |
| not vulnerable to attack! Another issue is that with | | | | Carry out a virus scan a least once a week. 5) Use a |
| broadband connection you are likely to be on line for | | | | Spam Filter to stop dangerous email |
| longer periods of time giving hackers more opportunity | | | | Further actions you can take: - Don't open suspicious |
| to attack you. | | | | looking email messages especially if they have |
| Hackers use "port scanning" software to hunt for for | | | | attachments. - Be careful what free software you |
| vulnerable computers with open ports using your | | | | download. Only download from reputable sites like |
| computer's IP address. They will then send malicious | | | | CNet's - Remember to switch off your broadband |
| programs through these open ports onto your | | | | connection if you are away from your computer for a |
| computer. | | | | long period of time. Get into the habit of switching your |
| Another common way that hackers use to gain | | | | computer and broadband connection off at night time. |
| control of your computers is by sending out Trojan | | | | This is especially relevant for wireless network users. |