| Many
people do not realize that the Internet is really a connection or network
of computers that are all ultimately tied together. Each computer on
the Internet has a specific address, known as an IP (Internet Protocol)
address. That address works just like the address where you live does.
If people know your home address then they can find your house. If
hackers know your PC address then they can find your PC.
How do hackers discover your PC address?
There are too many ways. One of the most common method
is to simply get it from logs that are kept by every web server software
that is made. These logs, called access logs, store the date, time,
and IP address of every computer that visits them. All a hacker has
to do is gain access to these logs, which can be a very simple feat,
and they have a list of potential victims.
Another way is to use what is called port scanning software.
This software goes out over the internet and electronically "knocks" on
PC door by trying every possible numerical combination of IP addresses. When
it finds a PC that electronically says "Whose there?" it
records the address for later investigation by the hacker.
Once a hacker gets inside of your computer they can read
any data that is stored there. This could include your personal documents
and email, the list of web sites that you visit regularly, your credit
card numbers,
bank account numbers, PINs, and your Social Security number. You don't have
to have a vivid imagination to figure out what happens next.
How does a firewall work?
A firewall blocks ports that hackers commonly use from
accepting inbound requests for connections. Depending upon the type
of firewall that you have, and how you have it configured, it can make
your PC totally " invisible" to every other computer in the
world without disrupting your Internet activity. This means that hackers
will not even know that your PC is on the 'Net.
Is my PC really at risk?
Here's a quick, easy, and free way to find out. Go to
http://scan.sygate.com/probe.html and let the web site scan your PC.
It's safe and the site is not run by hackers. The software will look
at your PC through the same set of "electronic eyeballs" that
a hacker would use. If there are problems you'll find out in a jiffy.
You can also scan for viruses, trojan horses, and other
threats, for free, while you are there.
What do I do if threats were found
That depends upon the threat. If viruses were discovered
then (click here) to read our article on Virus protection. If the scan
determined that you have open ports that hackers could exploit, then
you need a
firewall. Here is a link to a free firewall that is good enough for the average
home PC. Don't let the fact that it's free put you off. I use it myself and
I'd pay for one if I thought that this one wasn't good enough.
http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm
What if I don't want to use a firewall?
What if you don't want to lock your door at night? Why
take chances whenthe lock is free, and the alternative can be devastating.
|
