Computer security is a very important factor that we must take care of at all times and avoid having problems that may affect the performance of our equipment. There are many attacks that we can suffer on the network and that in one way or another can put our privacy at risk. We are going to see how they could enter our computer and what options we have available to protect ourselves. We will give some tips to avoid problems and that everything works correctly.
Many threats can infect our computers
Today there are many threats present. Many types of viruses, Trojans, keyloggers … Some attacks are aimed at stealing passwords, others can affect the operation of the computer and others even allow attackers to enter and steal personal data.
The latter, our personal information , has great value on the Internet. They can use it to send us targeted advertising, include us in spam lists or even sell it to third parties. They could steal all kinds of data through very different methods, but without a doubt something that greatly facilitates the work of cybercriminals is being able to enter the computer.
To carry out their attacks, they usually rely on certain vulnerabilities or errors made by victims. They use this to break into a system and steal information that they can later use to attack or profit.
Methods to sneak into a computer
We are going to see what are the main methods that they can use to enter our computer. Some techniques can also be used to carry out other very varied attacks, so we must always maintain security.
Theft of passwords
Undoubtedly one of the most used methods to sneak into a computer is through password theft . For example, they could access a remote desktop application if they knew our credentials. This would allow them to act as if they were the legitimate users. A major problem to avoid.
Infecting your computer with a Trojan
It is also very common for them to use a Trojan . This could create a back door through which to access a computer without the victim being aware of it. They could have full control of that device and steal personal data, information, and ultimately compromise security.
Vulnerabilities in the system
Of course the vulnerabilities that exist in the systems can also be exploited. In many cases, uncorrected bugs appear that can be discovered by hackers and thus carry out their attacks. Some varieties of malware can precisely penetrate a system through these errors that they detect.
Over an insecure Wi-Fi network
Today it is very common to have the Internet almost anywhere. There are many Wi-Fi networks available that we can find in shopping centers, airports, stations and almost any public space. However this can also be used by a hacker to gain access to connected devices and steal information.
Tips to avoid computer intruders
We have explained some of the main methods that cybercriminals have to carry out their attacks and enter our computer. They use different strategies in order to compromise our security and privacy. Now we are going to give some important tips to avoid being victims.
Always protect with strong passwords
Something fundamental is to always use passwords that are strong and complex . This must be applied in our operating system, as well as any program that we are using. Especially when it comes to something like the remote desktop, which could be an attacker’s gateway.
We must generate keys that are strong, that have everything necessary to prevent them from being easily ascertained. They should have letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and other special symbols. They must always be random and unique.
Use security programs
Another very important issue is to have our computers protected with security programs . There are many tools that we have at our disposal. For example we can name a good antivirus, firewall or even extensions for the browser. All of this can keep our computers safe and alert in the event that a threat enters that could be used by hackers to steal personal information.
Have the systems updated
As we have mentioned, one way that cybercriminals steal personal data and access computers is through vulnerabilities in the systems. To avoid this there is no better advice than to always have the equipment updated correctly. We must have the latest versions and patches available.
Install only from official sources
To avoid intruders on our computers, something that cannot be missing is to install software from legitimate sources . We must avoid pages that are not trustworthy, download applications from third-party sites without verification. This could be used by hackers to sneak in Trojans and thus have a back door to enter our computer.
This point is very important, since we have a large number of programs installed and they are not always safe. It is convenient to verify that everything we add, no matter what operating system we use, is reliable.
Avoid insecure networks
Another point that we must keep in mind is to avoid insecure Wi-Fi networks or at least connect protected. A public Wi-Fi, such as in a shopping mall or train station, could have been created by an attacker to compromise the security of those who connect.
If we want to connect with full security, something essential is to use a VPN. It is a tool that allows you to encrypt your connections and thus prevent information from leaking. One more way to reduce the impact of surfing the Internet.
Common sense
Common sense cannot be lacking. Perhaps one of the most important aspects to avoid problems of this type. Cybercriminals in most cases will need the interaction of the victim. For example, they download a file, install a program, click on a link …
Therefore, we must avoid mistakes that could compromise our security. We must maintain common sense at all times, avoid falling into the trap of attacks such as Phishing, etc. In this way we will have a lot of gains regarding security.
In short, by following these tips we can prevent possible intruders from entering the computer. A series of recommendations that we can put into practice no matter what operating system we are using.
