Many people believe that some systems are too secure that often they neglect the fact that some updates on both hardware and software programs may decrease ones security features. When one hears the word “hack” the first thing that immediately comes to mind is the loss of security of an online account either by brute force or mere negligence.
In our world today, there has been many reference to online hacking but as the group of known hackers are slowly emerging into open space, the word is slowly changing in definition depending on the reason why a certain person hacks the network. The reasons vary from being hired to try to violate the security of the network and discover potential problems prior to launching a program to the extremities of a more evil reason-malicious intent.
The question now remains on how one can possibly protect themselves from online hacking-or is it even possible. The answer is a big uncertainty. While we can do a lot of precautions, the possibility of getting vulnerable and open for hackers is still high. Added necessary precautions may include but are not limited to:
- Secured Network. This is highly recommended for financial transactions done online or to any account that is of monetary value found on a server that can be accessed via a hardware device connected to a network. People are advised to do transactions if and only if they own the network, the network is secured and if they do trust the third party who receives the transaction they want to process.
- Email precautions. A lot of people become victims to hackers on email systems because they tend to open email content whose recipients are unknown to them. Sometimes, it is very inviting to pen such promotional items especially if the content seems to come from a valid source. However, always keep in mind the saying: “when it's too good to be true, it's not true.” This is most especially factual of many who become victims of online hackers through emails.
- Use of devices. Never input confidential account details or passwords on devices that you do not own. Even if they are a friend's, you aren't sure what may happen because your friend may not be too careful and may have had unknown threats already in their device. Remember that anyone can access public computers and install third party software's that keep a log of all the details you input. Always use your own device and clear cache and cookies all the time especially when you did access your account.
There are other ways that you can protect your account but remember that the threat will always be present that is why whatever you transact online should be things you are willing to accept the possibility of loss of. Always be aware of the transactions you do, even of just going into your social media accounts. Remember that while giving trust to other people promotes friendliness, it may also open you to so much more accountability in the future (social engineering hacker's field).
