Protect computer from hacking

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It is crucial that you install the latest updates to your operating system, apps and browser as soon as they become available. Most updates will include fixes to security flaws, and are essential for keeping hackers from accessing and using your data for malicious purposes. Public Wi-Fi does not usually require a password to access, and does not have any security features.

Therefore, it is recommended that you do not connect your computer to public Wi-Fi networks, as they are a prime target for hackers to distribute malware or gain access to your data. Try googling the name of the company or website and see what comes up, or look for previous customer reviews on Trustpilot or similar review sites. Phishing emails, as mentioned previously, are fake emails made to look legitimate with the aim of stealing personal data or installing malware on your computer.

Things to look out for are:. It can stop hackers from viewing your online activity, and can be used to protect yourself if you have no alternative but to connect to a public Wi-Fi, for example if you have to work on your commute. Do your research and find the best VPN for your needs. It seems to be common practice to keep our devices on standby, but leaving it on all the time makes it more visible and vulnerable to hackers.

Shutting down your computer can break the connection that a hacker may have had with your network. As well as encrypting your online activity using a VPN, you can also encrypt your files and any portable storage devices, such as a USB stick, that contains sensitive information.

This can make it harder for hackers to obtain your data. There are lots of encryption software programs to choose from, so find the best one for your specific device. Most browsers have a built-in password manager that stores your passwords although they don't typically encrypt them. Don't give out your password. This is an obvious piece of advice, but one that bears revisiting: with the exception of some school services, you shouldn't ever have to provide a site administrator with your password for them to access your account.

Similarly, don't tell people your phone or tablet's PIN or passcode combination. Even your friends might accidentally tell someone your passcode. If you do have to give someone your password for some reason, change it as soon as they are done with whatever they needed to do on your account.

Change your passwords often. In addition to keeping your password a secret, you should change the passwords on your various accounts and devices at least once every six months. Be sure not to use the same password twice e. When you do change your password, you should change it substantially.

Don't simply replace one letter with a number. Use two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication requires you to enter a code sent to you in a text message or another service to access your account after you enter your user name and password. This makes it more difficult for a hacker to access your information, even if they are able to crack your password. Most major websites, including popular social media networks, have some form of two-factor authentication available.

Check your account settings to learn how to enable this feature. You can set up two-step verification for your Google account. Popular app alternatives to receiving a text message include Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy. Some password managers also include a built in authenticator app. Avoid using the correct answer for security questions. When making security questions, don't make the answer to them the correct answer. Instead, make the answers incorrect, or even better, make them like passwords and don't base the answers on the questions at all.

Better yet, you a combination of random numbers, letters, and symbols like "IgHT7. Read privacy policies carefully. Any company that has information from you must have a privacy policy that details how they use that information and the extent to which they share it with others. Although the reading can be cumbersome, it's worth at least skimming it so you know how your data is being used.

If you see something in the privacy policy that you disagree with, or that makes you uncomfortable, you may want to reconsider sharing information with that company. Log out of accounts when you're done with them.

Simply closing the browser window isn't always enough, so make sure you click or tap on your account name and select Log Out or Sign Out in some cases to manually sign out of your account and remove your login credentials from the site. Make sure you're on an official website when entering passwords.

Phishing scams — instances in which a malicious page pretends to be a login page for a social media or bank account — are one of the easiest ways for you to get hacked. One way to spot phishing scams is to look at the site's URL: if it closely resembles but doesn't exactly match a reputable site's URL e. Avoid doing so on a page that asks for the login information in order to share an article or something similar.

An exception to this rule is when a university uses an existing service e. Method 2. Change your phone's passcode often. The first line of defense against people attempting to view or steal your data is a strong and constantly changing passcode. Make sure that you substantially change the passcode each time you change it--don't just change one number. On most phones, you can set a "complex" or "advanced" password that includes letters and symbols in addition to the typical numerical characters.

Avoid Using Touch ID or other fingerprint verification features. While these seem more secure than a passcode, it is actually easier to hack than a password because hackers can replicate your fingerprint with a printer.

Update your devices and software. As soon as an update becomes available for anything from your phone's Facebook app to its entire operating system, you should apply it if possible. Many updates are patches to repair weaknesses and address security vulnerabilities. Failing to update your software will eventually result in an exploitable weakness appearing, which puts your device at risk.

If you have the option to download all updates automatically, make use of this feature. It will save you a lot of trouble.

Charge your phone on reliable USB ports. These include the ports on your computer and in your car if applicable. Public USB ports, like the ones you may see in a coffee shop, can compromise your information. For this reason, it's a good idea to bring an electrical outlet connector in addition to your USB cable if you're traveling. Avoid jailbreaking or rooting your phone or side-loading apps. Both iPhones and Androids have security safeguards that can be bypassed by jailbreaking or rooting the respective devices but doing so opens your phone up to attacks and infections that would have previously been impossible.

Similarly, downloading apps from unverified sources "side-loading" apps greatly increases your risk of contracting malware. Android phones have a built-in security suite that prevents you from downloading apps from unknown sources.

If you do choose to disable this option from the Security tab in Settings , you'll need to carefully verify websites from which you download apps before proceeding with the downloads. Method 3. Encrypt your hard drive. If your hard drive is encrypted, a hacker will be unable to read the data stored there, even if they manage to gain access to your hard drive. While you've taken steps to prevent access, encryption is another method of protecting your information.

Mac - FileVault is the encryption service for Macs. You may first have to click the lock icon and enter your Mac's administrator account password. To enable it, simply type "bitlocker" into the Start search bar, click the "Bitlocker Drive Encryption" option, and click Turn on BitLocker.

Install updates as soon as they become available. In addition to performance upgrades, system updates often contain improvements to security. Back up your data frequently. Despite even the strictest security, it's still possible that your data may become compromised. This may be the result of hacking, or simply computer failure. Backing up your data ensures you don't lose anything. There are cloud-based services you can use to back up your data.

Check the security of these services carefully before joining one. While you may be tempted to go with the least expensive service, you want to make sure your data will be kept safe.

You also can use an encrypted external hard drive to back up your data. Set up your computer to run automatic backups daily, at a time of day when you aren't normally on your computer. Avoid clicking suspicious links or responding to unknown emails.

If you get an unsolicited email, or an email from a sender that you cannot verify, treat it as a hacking attempt. Do not click on any links or give the sender any personal information. Keep in mind that even replying to the email will let the sender know that your email address is active and valid. While you may be tempted to send them a sarcastic reply, even this will give them information they can use to hack you.

Install or activate your firewall. Both Windows- and Mac-based computers come equipped with a firewall, which prevents hackers from gaining access to your computer.