There are 300 million hacking attempts each day. This staggering number illustrates the prevalence of hacking and the importance of protecting your equipment. When you can successfully avoid cybercriminals' attempts to breach a system, you are minimizing the need for computer repairs and data recovery efforts. Below, discover a few tips to protect your computer.

How to Prevent Computer Hacking

1. Don't Click on Suspicious Links

Hackers can be extremely cunning in their efforts to get users to click on damaging links or attachments. Common tactics include "alerts" that the computer has been hacked and the user must go to a Microsoft website to fix it, which is fake. Other tactics include emails that say the inbox is full and can only be remedied by clicking on the provided link and emails or texts from a hacker pretending to be a popular service provider. 

Don't click on a link, open an attachment, or download any file if you're not absolutely certain about the sender's identity. If needed, contact the party who is sending the information and confirm that they sent it.

2. Install a Comprehensive Antivirus Program

Antivirus programs regularly scan the computer and remove suspicious or harmful elements. If you don't have antivirus software or have let the subscription expire, the computer is more vulnerable to attacks and the information kept on it is more susceptible to a breach. 

A hacking victim will often need to schedule computer repairs so their data can be retrieved. Avoid this by installing strong antivirus software and following the advice and prompts the program gives you to increase security.

3. Be Careful When Using Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi makes it easy to stay connected when you're out and about. But exercise caution when accessing certain websites over a public network. Any site that contains personal or financial data should be avoided when you're using public Wi-Fi. 

These connections are less secure, which increases the risk of hacking and the chances that you'll need professional computer repairs. If you need to log onto a site that has private information, use mobile data rather than Wi-Fi. A mobile data connection is yours alone and has better security protocols.

When you need antivirus software or computer repairs, trust the professionals at Microworx. Since 1994, they have been serving the Greater Rochester, NY, area. Their services include computer virus removal and protection and data recovery. Call (585) 271-0050 or visit them online to schedule a repair or to request a quote.