How To Prevent Unauthorized Computer Access
Unauthorized computer access is a growing concern as cybercriminals become more advanced and determined to find vulnerabilities in networks. Protecting computers from unauthorized access is essential for the privacy and security of both personal and corporate data.
Unauthorized access can be prevented through a variety of methods, including the operating system and software patches and updates, using malware protection tools, setting up a secure password policy, implementing user authentication systems, and placing firewall restrictions on network activity. Keep reading with us to find out how!
Don’t Share Passwords
Never share your passwords with anyone, even if they claim to be from technical support or are a friend who needs “just one quick look” at something on your device.
Don’t use common words such as “password” or “123456.” Strong passwords that combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols effectively prevent unwanted visitors from gaining access to your system.
You must also change your password regularly or when you suspect it may have been compromised.
Check How To Protect Computer And Your Digital Data.
Get A Firewall Solution
Another way of preventing unauthorized access is by using a hardware firewall or software firewall such as Microsoft Windows Firewall which comes pre-installed on all modern computers running the Windows operating system.
You can opt for different firewalls i.e.
1- Hardware Firewall
A hardware firewall will act as a barrier between two networks (like when connecting two home desktops for example).
2- Software Firewall:
The software firewall will detect any malicious programs attempting to enter your machine by blocking them from doing so before it can do any damage.
Third-part Firewall
In addition, many different third-party firewalls are available today like ZoneAlarm & McAfee Internet Security Suite, which offer further protection by monitoring internet traffic for suspicious activity like unauthorized downloads, virus infections & spyware threats among other things. By installing one of these programs onto their machines, users can gain an extra layer of defense over their systems, dramatically increasing overall security and drastically reducing the chances of being hacked into by intruders trying to get confidential information stored on their computers without permission.
Firewall settings should always be set up properly, so they provide maximum protection while still enabling legitimate traffic through the ports necessary for online activities such as gaming or streaming videos online.
Operating System and Software Patches & Updates:
Installing operating system (OS) patches or security updates is one of the most effective ways to prevent computer hackers from gaining unauthorized access to a computer or network.
OS vendors such as Microsoft regularly release updates that fix newly discovered vulnerabilities in their software. It’s important to install these patches as soon as they are released to block hacker attacks that target those potential vulnerabilities.
Likewise, it’s important to keep updated anti-virus/anti-malware software running on your machines so they are protected against new forms of malicious software that may have been released since the last scan or update was run.
Quick Tips:
Malware Protection
Another important aspect is malware protection. Trojans, viruses, spyware, and other forms of malicious software can be installed on your computer without you ever knowing. Once installed these programs can monitor your computer activity and log keystrokes to capture sensitive data such as passwords or credit card information.
Quick Fixes:
Check How To Secure Your Smartphone From Viruses?,
Be Aware Of Phishing Emails
Be sure to keep an eye out for phishing emails that may attempt to extract confidential information from you such as passwords and credit card numbers. These emails usually look legitimate but have malicious web pages embedded in them so be wary of clicking on links contained within them.
Additionally, never open attachments from addresses with which you are not familiar as they could contain viruses or spyware that could compromise your security.
Alternative Browsers
Another way of protecting yourself is by considering an alternative browser other than Microsoft Internet Explorer that has more secure protocols and tighter controls against online threats such as malware.
Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome are two examples of browsers that provide a higher level of protection against exploitation attempts compared to Internet Explorer pre-SP2 and IE7 versions.
Protect against power surges and loss
One of the best ways to protect yourself against power outages or other types of surge damage is by installing a reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS). A UPS will help keep your computer powered in the event of a blackout or other type of electrical event, preventing any data loss or corruption. It also helps keep your system secure by providing an extra level of protection against hackers who take advantage of outages.
Wrapping it Up
We have gathered all the necessary steps to help you not to become the next cybercrime victim!
