[July 04, 2011] Gizmofrenzy Friday - Hack-Attack - Making Yourself Less Vulnerable Tweet Jul 04, 2011 (This Day/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- The Recent hack-wave that swept through major companies like Sony Corp., Google inc., Saga, Citigroup Inc., Nasdaq OMX Group, Nintendo and even the United states CIA and senate portal, were all victims of the cyber-crime rendered a major blow to the day-to-day business running of these companies and as the 'hack-tide' ebbs, over 120million users were victims of Identity Theft and suffered loss of personal information such as email address, home address, credit card details, phone numbers and passwords. With this, priority should be placed on personal security practices which should start from the moment one puts on the computer. Security threats to information systems heightened as the demand for online services became a major projector to business success. As broadband Internet connection exposes more freedom and ease to transact cash-free business, cyber-crime will definitely be on the rise. This boils down to personal security practices and little cautions that curiosity throws to the wind. However, one can on personal level avoid being hacked or being lured into surf spots that could render one vulnerable to cyber-thieves. Software Freebies like Free Anti-virus, free registry scanner, free anti-malware and multimedia files like MP3 music and video files from untrusted sites are wrapped up with virus, Trojans and malwares thus they serve as bait to lure innocent victims. ...Easy Baits 1. Free Scanning: Some pop-ups may be displayed when some untrusted sites are visited with some clauses like; 'WARNING: multiple issues affecting registry of this PC click to FIX'. Hackers use scan-tools which are softwares to scan computers for weak spots such as computer network ports that it is open without the knowledge of the user or out-dated operating system. 2. Malicious software (Malware): These programs that run unnoticed and capture vital users' personal information like login users ID and passwords and silently send the stream to their vendors. Users fall victim when they ignorantly install these programs most of which are encapsulated on familiar application or multimedia files. Malware can be hidden in a PowerPoint presentation sent by email or downloaded music file or even in an Instant Messenger message (IM) and can be installed by simply opening such files. 3. Free Online gaming: This remains the easiest way to extract personal details and infiltrate the computers of game loving users. These games are designed to be simple, short and enticing enough to want to continue. 4. Free downloads: Downloading free Anti-virus software, screen savers, games, software cracks, keygen, multimedia files and others like it from anonymous websites are good couriers of malware, Trojan, virus and spyware. Most of these sites are owned by infiltrator and they capitalise on the fact most surfers are out on the net looking for free stuffs to download. ...Easy Blocker 1. Implement a firewall: firewalls are barriers that keep hackers and viruses out of computer networks. Firewalls intercept network traffic and allow only authorised requests; they are more like a network gate guard allowing only traffic that has passed certain security criteria. Make sure you are running a current version of a comprehensive security suite (that has two-way firewall protection). Firewall can be turned on under the control panel but for window 7 users, firewall rules has to be created, however the default settings are just enough to keep off intruders. 2. Be careful about the websites you visit and Never save passwords in your browser for financial/banking/credit card sites or shopping sites where your credit card information is saved. For blackberry and other Smartphone users; avoid opening unknown web links sent to you via broadcast. 3. Install a current Anti-viral software package that contains an anti-malware, anti-spyware and anti-phishing. It is also very important to daily update your anti-virus. Updating the operating also goes a long way to make your computer less vulnerable as updates are meant to contain patches that fix the loop holes in the previous versions. It is advisable not to use a uniform password for all you personal email account or newsletter account and debit/credit card accounts. Quickly remove leaked information once noticed; this can be done through trusted sites like - reputation.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]