There're afew things you can do to reduce your chances of being hacked or getting a virus.
Don't open files.... period (unless you're certian of the contents)
--------------------------------------------------------------
This is a must!. You must NEVER open any e-mail attachments or executable files unless you're 100% sure that it is legitimate. There are afew ways to check this mentiond below,
but as a general rule, if in doubt, leave it out. You may not even know that you're infected untill it's too late.
*Trojans allow people to remotely access your computer without permission and pretty much do any thing they want to you...such as erase files, steal passwords and credit card numbers, etc.
*Virus' will usually be an .exe .bat or other executable type file. In most cases they are combined with real, harmless looking files, for instance a picture.
1)You can check the file extension by right clicking the file, and check it's properties. Or alternitivly have windows automaticly show these extensions, you can do this buy going to Start >
control panel > folder options > view tab, then uncheck the box that says Hide extensions for known file types.
2)You can go Here (Novirusthanks.org) and scan the file with multiple AVs to see if it's safe.
3)You can run the program/file while it's sanboxd, which allows the file to execute for testing purposes
without making any changes to your system. You can download it from Here
Take note:
*Pictures or movies will NEVER be an executable file. If someone is trying to send you a file called mypic.exe don’t accept it! It is most likely a virus or trojan.
*Be careful of downloading files from places like piratebay and mininova. If you want to ensure these files are clean, download them from their official websites. (Although this usually means paying) You can usually tell by the comments on a thread if it's safe to download or not.
Use a firewall
-----------------------
Firewall's are excellent ways to stop hackers with malicious intent. Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing data and makes sure no one (that is uninvited) is trying to access your PC remotely. This will also stop things like trojans or backdoors. Although firewalls are not 100% reliable, as is any kind of security. A firewall I would recommend is Comodo, it can be annoying at times but really is ruthless. You can download it from Here. Online Armor is also recommended by some of our members. You can download it from Here.
Use an Anti Virus
-------------------
A must, without question, Some may think this is the most obvious requirment, but ive met so many people who are oblivious to the need for one. You MUST have some sort of antivirus to scan files and keep your computer relativly clean. Not all antivirus' can detect EVERYTHING though, that's why it's important to update your virus database regularly, as then, your chances increase of detecting the latest threat. Personally i Think avast is very good, but eveybody usually has their own personal favourite. It may also be worth considering running two Antivirus' together if you like. Although it's advised not to have two AVs that are both providing active protection. Im using Avast at the minute along with Comodo Antivirus which also comes with its own firewall, Avast and AVG also both run well together too.
Don't open files.... period (unless you're certian of the contents)
--------------------------------------------------------------
This is a must!. You must NEVER open any e-mail attachments or executable files unless you're 100% sure that it is legitimate. There are afew ways to check this mentiond below,
but as a general rule, if in doubt, leave it out. You may not even know that you're infected untill it's too late.
*Trojans allow people to remotely access your computer without permission and pretty much do any thing they want to you...such as erase files, steal passwords and credit card numbers, etc.
*Virus' will usually be an .exe .bat or other executable type file. In most cases they are combined with real, harmless looking files, for instance a picture.
1)You can check the file extension by right clicking the file, and check it's properties. Or alternitivly have windows automaticly show these extensions, you can do this buy going to Start >
control panel > folder options > view tab, then uncheck the box that says Hide extensions for known file types.
2)You can go Here (Novirusthanks.org) and scan the file with multiple AVs to see if it's safe.
3)You can run the program/file while it's sanboxd, which allows the file to execute for testing purposes
without making any changes to your system. You can download it from Here
Take note:
*Pictures or movies will NEVER be an executable file. If someone is trying to send you a file called mypic.exe don’t accept it! It is most likely a virus or trojan.
*Be careful of downloading files from places like piratebay and mininova. If you want to ensure these files are clean, download them from their official websites. (Although this usually means paying) You can usually tell by the comments on a thread if it's safe to download or not.
Use a firewall
-----------------------
Firewall's are excellent ways to stop hackers with malicious intent. Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing data and makes sure no one (that is uninvited) is trying to access your PC remotely. This will also stop things like trojans or backdoors. Although firewalls are not 100% reliable, as is any kind of security. A firewall I would recommend is Comodo, it can be annoying at times but really is ruthless. You can download it from Here. Online Armor is also recommended by some of our members. You can download it from Here.
Use an Anti Virus
-------------------
A must, without question, Some may think this is the most obvious requirment, but ive met so many people who are oblivious to the need for one. You MUST have some sort of antivirus to scan files and keep your computer relativly clean. Not all antivirus' can detect EVERYTHING though, that's why it's important to update your virus database regularly, as then, your chances increase of detecting the latest threat. Personally i Think avast is very good, but eveybody usually has their own personal favourite. It may also be worth considering running two Antivirus' together if you like. Although it's advised not to have two AVs that are both providing active protection. Im using Avast at the minute along with Comodo Antivirus which also comes with its own firewall, Avast and AVG also both run well together too.
