When we talk about hacking, we must first state what the term means. In other words, hacking is the activity of exploiting security holes in computer systems. In short, it is a remote attack on a computer. The purpose may be financially motivated, especially if the attacker is hacking into an online banking system, or it may be purely out of concern for the economy. In other cases, the motivation may be to hurt the other person, for example by exposing intimate photos on the web and humiliating him or her.

How do I know if my computer has been hacked?

It may not be obvious at first glance, but it can be immediately obvious, for example, if an attacker is using photos elsewhere on the web that we only store on our computers and have never shown to anyone. Another case might be where typing an address into a web browser automatically redirects you to another location. The least obvious case is when someone breaks into our computers for the purpose of watching us through cameras.

How do we protect ourselves? [Even if antivirus programs cannot completely protect us, without them the risk is several times greater. The basic rule is to have a good antivirus program and update it regularly. Do not download unknown files or click on links in e-mails from people you do not know. If you suspect there is something wrong with your computer and you cannot handle it yourself, it is advisable to have a professional look at your computer.

Although we are hearing more and more about cyber attacks, there is no need to panic. Rather, you can follow certain safety guidelines when using the Internet, such as choosing complex passwords and logging out of sites you leave. It is also a good idea to regularly back up important documents. Thus, as elsewhere, care should be taken here as well. Take care of your computer regularly, back it up, check it, and choose a truly optimal anti-virus program that will protect us, even if it is not always 100%.