How do i keep someone from hacking into my computer?

Answer 1

Leave your firewall on. Don't download Limewire.

Answer 2

The main concern you should have about your computer being "hacked" is that it will be used in a "Bot Net" for illegal purposes.

Microsoft and other computer Security companies believe that 10 million computers worldwide are so poorly protected that they are "hijacked" into "Bot Nets" on a daily basis.

A recent DDoS (Distrubuted Denial of Service) attack against the Internet Servers was done using approximately 1 million "hijacked" computers in a "Bot Net". The source of the attack was "hackers" in South Korea trying to become famous for shutting down the Internet. "Hackers" have been trying to do this for years and it is considered the "Ultimate Badge of Honor" if they can shut down the Internet.

There is only one way to protect your computer from 'hackers'. That is to have all of the necessary security.

First, you should have a very strong password. This should be a completely random set of Letters (small and caps), numbers and symbols. The password should be a minimum of 8 characters, but the more the better.

These Microsoft sites can help you in making a very strong password:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password_checker.mspx

Believe it or not, even Yahoo has very good info about making very strong passwords.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/13353/how-to-pick-a-genuinely-secure-password

Second, have a very good Firewall on your computer. This can be done two ways. A Hardware firewall or a Software firewall.

Most DSL Routers have built in Firewalls. These are Hardware Firewalls. They are very good and very difficult for "hackers" to change their settings. As with any Firewall, the Hardware firewall should have "two way' protection (incoming and outgoing).

Software firewalls are programs installed on your computer. Zone Alarm is a very good and popular software firewall. Software firewall can have their setting altered by "hackers" and other Malware programs. Do not take this as a recommendation to not use a Software firewall. Good programs like Zone Alarm make it very difficult for "hackers' to change their setting.

Third, Antivirus program is the next step. You should have a good program that updates automatically and often. I recommend Kaspersky because it is the best at detection and removal, as independent tests have proven. This site has that data comparing it to other progams.

http://www.virus.gr/english/fullxml/default.asp?id=82&mnu=82

Do not misunderstand. Any good AV program is good to use. The way I look at them is if they provide 80% or better protection, you should use it. If money is a problem, use AVG 7.5.. It is free and very good.

Fourth, Antispyware program(s). No single AS program can protect your computer. This is due to the number of new spyware programs introduced each month. No AS program company can keep up with, and update against 1500 - 2000 new spyware programs each month.

This is why you should have at least 3 AS programs that provide "full time' protection. Most free AS programs only provide "on demand" protection. For my computer I use Windows Defender, Spybot Search and Destroy (tea timer activated) and SpywareBlaster. All are free and work very good at protecting my computer.

This site is well worth the read.

http://www.internetinspiration.co.uk/computer_privacy_and_security.htm

Answer 3

All of those accounts are online accounts and have nothing to do with someone getting into your computer. Your sister needs to learn how to make really hard to figure out passwords. Make a new account using a different computer. Then log into the new account using the computer you think is compromised. If that new account gets hacked, or stolen, then your sister has a keylogger on her computer!

Answer 4

Install a DSL router to add a new layer to your network and use a address different then the default. Lock that down and secure the passwirds on the device.

This will at least slow down the hacker until he gets past your router and into your local network but that takes mac address spoofing and a whole lot of technique and Usually physical access to the router. If the hacker is already in your network IE same subnet then your screwed. security through obscerity is what they call that.

Answer 5

Just make sure that you have installed all updates from Microsoft including critical updates. I would suggest using Mozilla Firefox instead of Internet Explorer as it is much more secure and contains a built in pop up blocker. download anti-spyware programs such as Spybot Search and Destroy and adaware from lavasoft - both are free downloads. Also AVG anti virus is the best in free anti-virus software. Scan your computer regularly and for the best defense use Protowall and Blacklist Manager to prevent unwanted prying eyes off your computer however unless you know what you are doing these are not exactly user friendly..

Answer 6

I would have to agree and dis agree woth some of the previous answers. first of all you need a good antivirus this doesnt stop hackers but stops viruses/trojans etc.. that may gain info from your machine for a hacker. etc.. antivirus acts like a lock to the front door. now how to stop the hacker from directly hacking your system. you need to have a good firewall some say windows firewall is acceptable but i strongly suggest zonealarm . Zone alarm will hide ur IP adress and make u invisible to hackers online . zone alarm has a free version which works just as well as a firewall for basic users and myself have even used the free version at times. Stay away from mcafee and norton personal firewall, . i run norton and it proves to me as the best antivirus and and i run Zone alarm as my fire wall it is simple easy to use. any questions feel free to ask me directly. but i would be willing to gurantee u safe from hackers and viruses if u run nortan antivirus and keep it updated and run zonealarm firewall even the free version. i would be willing to bet you would be safe..

Answer 7

If the hacker is good enough they can get through anything. your best bet is to just enable your windows firewall in the security center from the control panel. third party firewalls are just annoying. You shouldnt have to worry about getting hacked if its just a home computer, hackers take no interest in that. They like to hack large companies, unless you have someone who doesent like you.

Answer 8

A router (built-on firewall) or firewall will stop them. Antivirus program can't but can detect trojans that can try to submit info out to hack into.

Answer 9

dont connect it to the internet.

Macs are no more secure than PCs, hackers dont waste their time writing viruses to penetrate systems with a 5% market share.

Answer 10

1. Don't connect to the internet.
2. Don't use internet Explorer
3. Don't use windows (Linux, BSD, Solaris, Mac) use mac if you are computer illiterate
4. Install a firewall