How to Prevent Unauthorized Computer Access

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Taking steps to prevent unauthorized computer access is important for a wide number of reasons, including preventing others from installing spyware and deleting your important files, or even creating viruses. By making changes to your computer to prevent unauthorized access, you are also protecting your personal privacy. Here are some steps to take to properly secure your computer and prevent others from accessing your files on both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

Steps

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    • Enable password protection on your computer if it is not already set up. Make sure you are using a personal password you have chosen versus the default password.
    • When creating your password, be sure to incorporate numbers or special characters to make it difficult for others to guess.
    • Change your password often, at least every 2 months.
    • Do not leave your password written down in a place where others can easily find it.
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    • A hardware firewall will protect all the computers connected to the network and can often be set up through the network router.
    • A software firewall requires you to install software that will protect only that specific computer.
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    • To prevent hackers or other programs from spying on your Internet habits or collecting your passwords and credit card data, be sure to install antivirus software or spyware protection.
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    • Open email attachments only if you trust the party that sent it. Many times, email attachments will house viruses and malicious spyware that will allow unauthorized access to your computer.
    • Ignore or delete phishing emails, which are email messages that masquerade as official emails from your bank or shipping companies that want you to divulge sensitive and private information; such as your social security number, passwords and more.
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    If you need to step away from your computer for a break and want to keep it powered on, lock your computer so it requires a password, preventing unauthorized access.
    • For Windows 7 users, go to the Start menu, select the right pointing area from the Shutdown category and select "Lock."
    • For Macintosh users, use keystrokes of "Shift," "Command," and the letter "q," pressing all buttons at the same time. You may also select "Log Out" from the Apple pull-down menu.
    • For Windows XP users, use keystrokes of "Ctrl," "Alt," and "Delete," pressing all buttons at the same time, and select "Lock Workstation."
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  • Question
    How do I keep teens from accessing the dark web on the home computer?
    Community Answer
    You can only access the dark web if you have the Tor browser installed, so to prevent access to the dark web, just make sure that Tor is not installed.
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  • Question
    How do I prevent people from going to my Wi-Fi settings in my computer to view the password for my the router by going to the view wireless adapters?
    R2_d2000
    Top Answerer
    Follow the directions in step 1 of the article above; setting a password and locking your computer will stop people from being able to find your Wi-Fi password.
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  • Question
    What are malicious programs?
    R2_d2000
    Top Answerer
    Malicious programs are programs like viruses and Trojans, they are made by hackers and can do a whole host of things, such as stealing your passwords and breaking your computer.
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      Tips

      • Before installing any software firewall, check to see if it is already installed through your antivirus scanner. In most cases, antivirus software already has a firewall included.
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      • Demonstrate awareness of those around you by making sure nobody is watching over your shoulder when typing in passwords or other sensitive, personal information.
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      • When prompted by your computer to install any software, be sure to read over and understand any agreements before clicking OK or accepting the download.
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      Warnings

      • When using public computers, work computers, or friend's computers, prevent unauthorized access by intentionally not saving or storing passwords on their hard drive or Internet browser.
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      References

      1. http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000464.htm
      2. http://kb.ucla.edu/articles/how-to-prevent-unauthorized-users-from-accessing-your-computer-if-you-step-away-from-your-desk
      3. http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000507.htm

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