Anyone using a computer connected to the internet is exposed to threats from hackers and online predators. These online criminals typically use phishing scams, unsolicited emails or instant messages, and fake websites to spread dangerous malware to your computer and compromise its security.
How can hackers find me?
Hackers can also try to access your computer and your private information directly if you are not protected by a firewall. They can monitor your conversations or browse through the back-end of your personal website. Usually hiding behind a fake identity, predators may trick you into revealing sensitive personal and financial information, or even worse.
What can a hacker do to me?
When your computer is connected to the internet, the malware a hacker has installed on your PC quietly sends your personal and financial details without your knowledge or consent. Or an online predator may pounce on the private information you have unintentionally revealed. In either case, they may be able to:
Hijack your usernames and passwords
Steal your money and open credit cards and bank accounts in your name
Destroy your credit rating
Apply for new personal identification numbers (PINs) or additional credit cards
Make purchases
Add themselves, or an alias they control, as an authorised user to make it easier to spend your credit.
Get cash advances
- Use and abuse your National Insurance number
- Sell your information to third parties who will use it for illicit or illegal purposes.
Predators who stalk people online can pose a very serious physical threat. The best way to stay safe is to be extremely careful when agreeing to meet an online “friend” or acquaintance in person.
How can I tell if I’ve been hacked?
Check the accuracy of your personal accounts, credit cards and records.
- Are there any unexplained transactions?
- Any suspicious or unauthorised changes?
If so, dangerous malware installed by predators or hackers could be the cause.
What can I do about hackers and online predators?
When you arm yourself with information and resources, you are more aware of computer security threats and less vulnerable to scare tactics. Hackers and predators are equally serious, yet very different threats.
Protect yourself online
- Regularly check the accuracy of personal accounts and deal with any irregularities immediately.
- Be extremely careful when entering chat rooms or publishing personal web pages.
- Limit the personal information you post on your own web pages.
- Monitor requests from online “friends” or contacts closely for any predatory behaviour.
- Keep personal and financial information out of online conversations.
- Be extremely careful when you agree to meet an online “friend” or acquaintance in person.
Security tips to avoid hacking
- Use a two-way firewall
- Update your operating system regularly
- Increase your browser’s security settings
Avoid dodgy websites
Only download software from sites you trust. Carefully assess free software and file-sharing apps before you download them.
- Use proper email and antivirus/malware security protocols
- Do not open messages from unknown senders
- Delete any messages you suspect are spam straight away.
Make sure the best security software is installed on your PC:
- Use antivirus protection
- Use anti-spyware software protection
Protect yourself against dangerous online threats
An unprotected computer is an open door for hackers and predators. To go further, protect your computer against hackers by using an anti-spam filter or gateway to scan incoming emails or instant messages. Products such as Webroot AntiVirus and Webroot Internet Security Complete stop dangerous malware before it can get into your PC, guard every possible entry point to your computer, and repel any spyware or viruses that try to break in, even the most harmful and devious strains. Although free anti-spyware and antivirus downloads are available, they cannot keep up with the constant onslaught of new malware variants. The forms of malware that have not been detected before are often the ones that cause the most damage, so guaranteed, always up-to-date protection is essential. Webroot provides comprehensive cloud-based protection against viruses and identity theft for all your devices, without slowing you down.
