How can I protect my computer from hackers/doxing?
I'm looking for software programs to try and protect my computer more from individual hackers, or if I have my terminology correct "Ghost" my laptop. I've heard some crazy stories about individuals hacking and tracking down someone because of some confrontation they had online, or just for the fun of it. Can you recommend me some programs that will help make my laptop harder to hack or untraceable, like IP address scramblers, firewalls, or anything that'll help.
Ghostery is one i've heard of, is that any good. Also VPNs, what are they and how do they work?
Anonymous2014-06-30T01:47:43Z
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"Ghostery" although decent at what it does, is not an "anti-hacking" tool per se. What it does is discover which websites are tracking your movements across the 'Net, and if you set it up correctly, cloaks those movements. It's more of a Privacy toolbox. https://www.ghostery.com/en/ (Browsers left in their 'stock' settings permit much of this type of tracking, which the ad conglomerates have leveraged to their benefit and your loss of privacy.) ----------- Individual parties trying to penetrate your computer would rely on 'target specific' tricks such as 'spear phishing', where e-mail tailored to you specifically, convinces you that a seemingly legit mail with a link to some asset, prompts you to follow that link, where your mis-configured system downloads and installs a malicious bit of code...and all bets are off about what that can be or do. ------------- If you're serious about security (and privacy), you must resign yourself to the fact that the Windows operating system is the most insecure OS on the planet no matter what you do, and the malware targeting it is boundless. Use an OS that automatically increases your security when on the 'Net: Linux. Keep your Windows system for 'in-house' work only, and use Linux for all 'Net facing tasks. "Dual-boot" allows you to do just that, on a single computer. See how here: http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing That's Ubuntu, but there are many flavors that are similar in setup. Not 100% bullet-proof: you must still be aware of phishing tricks, poisoned websites, and other malicious payloads...but it's far easier than trying to keep up with the evolving Windows pitfalls. ------------ VPN is a method of connecting two end-points using reliable encryption methods. This entirely cloaks your traffic, preventing eavesdropping on the contents of traffic. Not all VPN services are what they claim. Some actually intercept and 'read' that traffic and send you advertising based on those snooping tactics...not exactly a true VPN in my book. Here's a good one: "Freelan" is a free, open-source, multi-platform, peer-to-peer VPN software. http://freelan.org/ ---------- Firewalls: See my earlier answer about those here: /question/index?qid=20140620055132AA9iyJM
Do not upload personal photographs on web albums such as “Picasa”. Even if you do, make sure that your album is hidden from public and search engines.
Be aware of security and privacy settings on your accounts. Be selective about who you share information with and limit how often you post about your location (especially if it’s your home).
Pay close attention to links and attachments in email messages. Do not open anything that looks even remotely suspicious. If it’s legitimate, the person can always send it again.
Add protection to your email, social media, and online bank accounts using two-factor authentication techniques.
Remember that anything you post on social media might be used against you. Once it’s online, you cannot take it back
If you do not intend to show up your profile on search engines, it is a wise choice to make all the Internet profiles private.
Always use updated anti-virus software.
Maximize the privacy settings of your social network profiles. Make sure that your individual albums and photographs have their privacy settings configured.
Choose unique, strong passwords for each of your accounts and change your passwords regularly. Routinely update computers, devices, and software with the latest security fixes
Do not use the same email address for all you accounts. Instead, create separate email IDs for individual activities such as gaming, forum participation, banking accounts etc.