Computer hacking a problem

And what skills are necessary to succeed in this industry? Here are four technical skills and soft skills that can improve your knowledge of cybercrimes and fight against computer hacking. Sometimes, security disasters happen. When they do, you need to know how to overcome them. During these technological crises, it is your passion for problem-solving and critical thinking skills that will produce answers and drive results.

Part of solving electronic security problems is being able to perform independent research and resolve the issues you come across. The ability to troubleshoot and find solutions on your own is noted as one of the top skills to have in the cybersecurity profession.

To build cybersecurity solutions, you must know how to maintain database security and have a wide knowledge of networks, hardware, software and the digital world. Computer predators victimize others for their own gain. Give a predator access to the Internet — and to your PC — and the threat they pose to your security increases exponentially. Computer hackers are unauthorized users who break into computer systems in order to steal, change or destroy information, often by installing dangerous malware without your knowledge or consent.

Anyone who uses a computer connected to the Internet is susceptible to the threats that computer hackers and online predators pose. These online villains typically use phishing scams , spam email or instant messages and bogus websites to deliver dangerous malware to your computer and compromise your computer security.

Computer hackers can also try to access your computer and private information directly if you are not protected by a firewall. They can monitor your conversations or peruse the back-end of your personal website. Usually disguised with a bogus identity, predators can lure you into revealing sensitive personal and financial information, or much worse. Log into your e-mail account and change your account password.

E-mail addresses can also be spoofed without hacking the account. After changing the e-mail password, if your friends continue to get e-mails you have not sent, it is likely someone is spoofing your e-mail address. For any attacker to take control of a computer, they must remotely connect to it. When someone is remotely connected to your computer, your Internet connection will be slower. Also, many times after the computer is hacked, it becomes a zombie to attack other computers.

Installing a bandwidth monitor computer program helps determine which programs are using bandwidth on your computer. Windows users can also use the netstat command to determine remote established network connections and open ports. However, there are multiple legitimate reasons why your Internet connection may also be slow.

Computer security programs and firewalls help restrict access for security purposes. If the computer prompts for access to programs you do not know, rogue programs may be installed or it may have been hacked. If you do not know why a program needs access to the Internet, we recommend blocking access to that program. If you later discover these blocks cause problems, they can be removed. For example, Microsoft offers a number of free security patches for its Internet Explorer browser.

Dana holds a B. She has loved being part of the EasyTechJunkie team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.