How should you protect yourselves from hackers?

Answer 1

First it would depend on what type of browser one is using. As the hacks were launched against users using internet Explorer you can either use a different browser( Firefox, Google Chrome, etc.) or you can use Protected Mode in Internet Explorer and enable Data Execution Prevention.

Answer 2

The best ways to protect yourself from exploits and exploitative individuals on the Web include the following:

- Always install and keep up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware programs. There are plenty of free versions of these programs that are just as good as the professional versions. AVG and Avast are two examples. These will automatically scan files you access, and can perform full system scans based on your preferences. If they can't remove viruses and other bad nasties from your files, they'll still prevent those files from being accessed.

- Ensure you're using a proper software-based firewall.ZoneAlarm is still top-notch, although there are other firewall programs that people enjoy. A basic firewall will prevent programs on the Internet from connecting to your computer through "ports" that may have been left open; however, good firewall programs will also prevent programs on your computer from connecting to the Internet based on your preferences. (Some of these programs have been known to download malware or send your personal information without your knowledge or consent.)

- Don't install toolbars in your Web browser until you know they're safe. Because your Web browser can access the Internet, toolbars can too with the same security level as your Web browser. I've come across toolbars and add-ons that will send private data you've entered on forms to external Web sites.

- Always educate yourself on the basics of securing your own computer.

Computer security is simple enough to understand. It's Propaganda that makes it complicated.

Keep in mind, too, that there are good (white hat) hackers as well as bad (black hat) hackers. White hatters look for exploits, report those to appropriate organizations, but don't use them against others. Black hatters work in the shadows.

See the list of related links below for downloadable programs and additional information.