How to Prevent Hacking

Whether you’re using a network for business or personal purposes, hacking can be a real threat although preventing it is simple and certainly cost effective. The potential damage a hacker can cause could cost you or your business millions of pounds. Here are a few ways to protect yourself from potential hackers. Firstly, any network should have network wide antivirus software installed. This must be up to date on all computers on the network so be sure any users of the network are allowing the software to update regularly. It’s possible to configure a server to push out updates to all users of the network; something definitely worthwhile setting up. On the subject of virus protection, make sure all users of the network are educated on the potential dangers of viruses and best practise for prevention, for example, not opening email attachments from unknown senders. Secondly, a firewall is essential to prevent hackers and viruses from gaining access to a network. Be sure to implement one. Another tip is to keep all the operating systems on the network up to date. The latest patches for software should be regularly downloaded and operating systems regularly upgraded. If the users of your network use Windows, check www.windowsupdate.com for the latest patches, which are actually usually free of charge. Furthermore, disable any non essential network features. If users aren’t regularly using a feature it is not likely to be updated, which can present a security threat to the network. Network users should regularly change their passwords. Companies often implement policies whereby employees must change their network password every 90 days. For home users this is likely to be unnecessary although regularly changing your online passwords is a very sensible idea. If someone is to leave the company their username should be deleted immediately. Companies can actually run vulnerability tests, which evaluate their security system. The test is inexpensive and will highlight any flaws in your system. Contact a computer consulting company to request they perform a vulnerability test and they will likely offer you a number of ways to improve your network’s security system. Finally, keep in the know how. Read up about the latest antivirus, firewall protection and network security systems. There are countless magazine and internet articles on the subject so use them to find the resources that are best for your particular network. Following these tips will reduce but certainly not remove the risk of your network being hacked. Every company or home user will have slightly different needs and requirements for their own system. A home user should not invest a small fortune on network security, as free antivirus and firewalls are readily available. Business users, however, need to take a very serious approach to network security and investing in the right resources will certainly not be a waste of time or money.