Computer Hacking is a very serious, yet common issue we face today. From Identity theft, personal information getting out, Bank and Credit card information being released, this “Hacking” has become an all too familiar epidemic in the world we live in.
Generally speaking, you may think “I can’t get hacked, or this is rare and will not happen to me”, well, simply put, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Hacking happens to millions of Americans every year. Surprisingly, hacking a computer doesn’t take any special training or education. The majority of hackers have no degree in IT, no computer programming experience, and no experience in the technological work field. In fact, a large amount of hackers are young people, who spend hours on the computer making discoveries. There is an internal server called IRC (Internal Relay Chat) where computer hackers can interact, share encryption codes, and communicate amongst each other on a private network if you will. But what exactly is computer hacking? Think of it as a predator in your home, seeing all of your personal moments whenever they like.
Have you ever been searching the web, and a random pop-up ad comes up with a “No Thank You” bar? If you have, someone has tried to hack you. These bars are used as decoys, and while you think you are closing the ad, you are really activating software that gives the hacker instant access to your IP address and network information. What about if you are searching for coupons or recipes, and you want to download these to your PC? A file may come up where it asks you to SAVE or RUN the file, and when you do, nothing happens. Some may realize that something is not right, but the majority of us would generally think nothing of it, and continue surfing the web. This too is a very common form of hacking. Social Media is another way that hacking can occur. You may see an article with a photo, and when you go to click the image, nothing comes up, the page acts like its beginning to load, but does nothing. The photo could contain codes that when clicked, activates their software. Craigslist posts are one of the top ways hackers use to get their software out. When you go to open the ad, they instantly get your email, and send you things “regarding the ad” that you never asked for, thus the cycle begins again. As you can see, it is very easy for a Hacker to get to you if you are not careful in what you do while on the web, however, YOU must be the one to allow them in.
Computer hacking causes companies billions of dollars each year. From preventative measures such as Spyware, to the recovery process when something does happen. Product Information, financial information, client information, research, and revenue, are all at risk if company firewalls were to be hacked. Big or Small, companies must protect their information from within. Hacked information can be used as leverage in business dealings. Hacker’s have been known to access celebrity computers, using their personal dealings as blackmail to exploit cash and goods. They have the ability to steal identities and slander ones reputation, ruin ones credit, causing debt for over the top purchases. This kind of thing can literally RUIN someone’s life.
There are ways to prevent this from happening to you. Here are just a few examples:
1) Install a Spam Filter in your email- This will automatically delete any unidentifiable emails before they even get into your inbox
2) Install a Pop-up Blocker- This will prevent any unwanted ads and pop-ups, so there is no chance for you to accidentally “activate” malicious software. Please understand that doing this will sometimes prevent things you want to download from installing. This is a small price to pay for the security and peace of mind you will have with it, and can be handled accordingly through the settings of the program.
3) Monitor and limit you Internet searches. Only search through trusted sites, and only open what you KNOW is a legitimate web address. Many company pages today have a little Lock at the bottom of the page, letting you know that it is safe to proceed, and that it is protected from any information getting out. If there is not one of these on the website, I suggest closing it immediately and running your Anti-Virus software.
Nothing is 100% guaranteed, but doing something is better than doing nothing at all. It is never wrong to second guess something, and with technology constantly changing, we to must adapt accordingly. We are living in a world where literally ANYTHING can be done with a computer.

Citations: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/zombie-computer1.htm http://smallbusiness.chron.com/effects-computer-hacking-organization-17975.html
http://www.identitytheftkiller.com/secure-computer.php