CAN I PROTECT MY COMPUTER FROM HACKERS?
By Michael Siersema

You cannot completely protect yourself from hackers. What you can do is make it difficult for them and they move on to easier prey. There are several areas that need protection from hackers. First is from viruses, second is to 'harden' your computer and the third is to report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. Yes, reporting does stop hackers and a hacker want-to-be. The best method for protecting several computers in a home network will be covered next month.
Virus Detection Software
The simplest method of protection is virus software - get it and use it! How does virus software stop hackers? Hackers use viruses to take over your system or send them information, like password, account numbers, credit card numbers… There are several virus software products available. The main caveat is that you update on a frequent basis. I am using a program that checks daily, by itself for updates and then installs the updates. Also the software should not just test system files, but check Internet downloads and email files.
Harden Your Computer
Use Stealth Software The newest level of protection is a recent class of software that block outside users from seeing your system. When your computer is on-line continuously, such as cable modem or DSL; hackers test all network addresses. This is very much like the war modem dialers you saw on movies that calls all telephone numbers to find a modem on the other end!
This new breed of software masks all attempts to see your computer - your IP address becomes a black hole as if there is no computer connected, or it is turned off. BlackICE Defender by Network ICE will install and tell record hacking events against your computer. BlackICE will provide information about the attack and what you can do to report the activity to the authorities. Another is called ZoneAlarm by Zone Labs that is free. It has additional benefits of monitoring traffic leaving your system, so you will know when someone is trying to use a 'trojan horse' attack on your system through a web site or email.
Report Hacker Activity
Report hacker activity to the ISP that the hacker is using. Send all information you have that can help. You can send an email to abuse @ the hackers ISP. If they need additional information they will respond. Also Spamcop.net is great to shutdown those pesky bulk email senders. This subject will be covered in more detail in the future.