Keep your PC safe online

Hackers

MO: Breaking and entering
Motive: Exploration, testing security or malice

In the world of computers, the word hacker has various meanings. However, the most common definition is someone who attempts to gain unauthorised access to a computer or network. There are various methods open to a computer hacker and it’s not uncommon for them to use a range of methods in order to successfully launch an attack.

In general, hackers can be split into three categories: white hat, black hat and grey hat.

White hat hackers are those who enjoy circumventing security in order to access a computer or network, but once access is gained they don’t engage in any malicious activity. Some will justify their actions by saying they’re simply highlighting security flaws.

Black hat hackers, on the other hand, simply want to cause as much trouble as possible; for example, by deleting files, corrupting data or planting viruses.

The middle ground is occupied by grey hat hackers – these hackers usually consider their actions to be justified for one reason or another and won’t go out of their way to cause damage.

With so many tools at their disposal, it’s impossible to be totally safe from hackers no matter how much protection you have. That said, most hackers will look for easy targets, such as those people who don’t have adequate security software installed. Many will use automated tools known as port scanners, which scour the internet looking for computers with poor or non-existent firewalls, just like a burglar giving a door a push to see how secure it is.

This highlights just how important it is to make sure that every PC on your network has a suitable firewall up and running. Another defence against hacking is to set your Windows PC to download the latest updates from Microsoft. Check this setting in your Security Center, which is found in the Control Panel.

Trojans

MO: Confidence trick
Motive: Conceal the enemy within

Trojans work by fooling the user into thinking they are installing a legitimate program. Once installed, however, a Trojan allows for so-called back door access to a computer, which in turn makes it easier for other malware to attack without being noticed.

The term originates from the final days of the Trojan War, in which the Greeks built a wooden horse before feigning retreat. Believing the war to be over, the Trojans brought the horse within the walls of Troy, unaware it housed an army of Greek soldiers.

A computer Trojan works on the same principle: it persuades people to download and install it by disguising itself as a legitimate and useful program. In a further attempt to avoid detection, the Trojan will also usually install what the user was expecting (such as a screensaver).

Trojans in themselves aren’t usually harmful. However, they are often used to facilitate the planting of a virus on a computer, with the owner being none the wiser. They don’t self-replicate, nor do they infect files in the same way as a virus. Instead, they simply rely on users downloading them, believing they are installing legitimate software.

Other Trojans install spyware Keyloggers, which record the keys you press and analyse the information for sequences which could be internet banking or shopping passwords, often infiltrate PCs in this way.
The best way to steer clear of Trojans is to be suspicious of any software you are about to install. Ask yourself where you got it from and whether it was a trustworthy source. If in doubt, simply don’t install it.

Wifi hacker

MO: Code breaking
Motive: Stealing your broadband

Wireless networks are great in that they let you share a broadband internet connection among your computers without the need for troublesome and unsightly wires. However, it’s this convenience that makes it much easier for unsavoury types to gain access to your network without you knowing it.

Wifi networks usually broadcast their name (this makes it easier for us to find them), but Wifi hackers can scour an area for a wireless network and, once they ’ve found one, attempt to break into it.

It’s difficult to gauge how widespread this practice is but the reality is that your network is at greatest risk from an unscrupulous neighbour because wireless signals can’t travel that far. It’s not uncommon to find a number of networks in range when you set up a wireless network and this demonstrates the importance of setting up wireless security.

If someone does access your network because it doesn’t have a password (or has one that can be guessed easily) then they can use your broadband connection to view websites.

Others may have more sinister motives. They could be using your connection to access illegal material or even commit fraud, and if the authorities trace the IP address back to your computer you may have trouble proving that an offence had nothing to do with you. Once access to your network has been gained they may be able to view, copy and delete files on devices such as external hard disks attached to your network.

All wireless routers come with some form of security and it’s important to make sure it’ s switched on. When activated, anyone wanting to access your network will need to enter a passcode. The most basic level of wireless protection is known as Wep (wired equivalent privacy).

Although Wep will prevent most people from connecting to your Wifi network, it won’t take long for experienced Wifi hackers to crack the passcode. It’s therefore best to use WPA (Wifi Protected Access) or WPA2, which provides far stronger encryption. Our free Workshop outlines the general method of setting a password for a router.