Unlike common misconception, people are the ones who generate risks not the computer. Hackers will always find a way to get something valuable from their victims. Once they get an access to the internet and to your gadget, security is compromised. These individuals have a lot technical knowledge that they use in order to obtain, change or ruin information by putting in viruses without you knowing or approval.
How they find you?
If you use the internet and a computer, you are already a possible target of these people. A Virus or Malware finds its way to your computer through spoofing scams, spam mails and even fake websites. It is important that you have a firewall to prevent these hackers from obtaining access to your personal information and computer. They can do all sorts of things once they have access to your computer, they can see your chat conversations and they can easily persuade you to provide private information like your financial information by pretending to be someone through fake identities.
What can they do to you?
Without your approval or knowledge, once a malware or virus is downloaded to your computer it starts getting your personal and other private information. What they can possibly do with them?
• Obtain your usernames and passwords
• Open bank accounts, credit cards under your name and destroy your credit
• Steal your money and credit card information that they can use to obtain new cards, cash advances
• Do some shopping!
• Sell your information to other people for illegal use.
• Obtain your social security number and pretty much mess up everything
Be Alert
Always check your accounts, bank information, credit card transactions if there are any unusual activity or unfamiliar purchases. Is there any information that has been changed or questionable? If you find anything that is, then there are chances you have been hacked.
How to protect yourself from hackers:
• Always check your accounts for any discrepancies and report them right away
• Refrain from posting too much of your personal information online
• Do not give out personal or financial information online
• Make sure you have a firewall installed
• Make it a habit to update your Operating System and put your browser’s security settings as high as possible
• Do not access suspicious websites and only download things from sites you trust
• Use antivirus and software security products on your computer
Hackers will always look for a computer that is unguarded. Make sure you and your computer are protected.