Hack-Proof Your Computer: Trusted Strategies for 2025

Nearly 73% of businesses report being hit by ransomware. Hacking isn’t just the stuff of Hollywood thrillers anymore – it’s a billion-dollar criminal industry targeting everyday people. With the average cost of a personal data breach now exceeding $1,200, and coming in at an average of $165 per record per person, protecting your computer isn’t just smart – it’s essential. That’s what we’re here for today, to help you hack proof your computer.

Modern hackers don’t need sophisticated tools to breach your security. Often, a deceptive email or a weak password is all it takes to compromise your personal data, financial information, and digital identity. In 2023 alone, cybercriminals stole over $10.3 billion from unsuspecting victims through various hacking methods.

This guide will walk you through practical, proven steps to fortify your computer against cyber threats. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started with digital security, you’ll learn how to build multiple layers of protection between your data and those trying to steal it.

Key Takeaways

• Hacking is a growing threat that affects both individuals and businesses.
• Cybercriminals use methods like phishing, malware, and brute force attacks to steal information.
• Weak passwords and outdated software make it easier for hackers to gain access.
• Using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and antivirus software can help protect your computer.
• VPNs and password managers add extra layers of security for online activities.
• Regularly backing up important files prevents data loss from ransomware and other threats.
• Learning about cybersecurity helps you recognize scams and avoid common hacking tactics.
• We shall go over a few products and programs, such as NordVPN that you can use to get started with general hacking security.

What Is Computer Hacking?

Hacking can take many different forms, but it is basically when a person or a program gets through any security protocols to access information. No matter what form it takes, hacking is always a violation, as it allows people to access data you did not consent to.

With hacking, anything from private photos to bank details and sensitive business information can be accessed, which is never a good thing.

How Do Computers Get Hacked?

There are many ways that computers can get hacked. Some of the most common ways to get hacked are via software such as viruses and malware.  It’s easy to accidentally fall for a virus, as it could be cleverly hidden in a link that looks safe to access.

Sometimes, you can be hacked by being tricked by an actual human. This will often happen with scam emails and even cold calls where someone masquerades as a professional that is safe to give access to

That’s why you need to be vigilant not only with the virus protection you use but also with who you choose to grant access.

What Are The Most Common Forms Of Hacking?

Hacking takes many different forms, each with its own methods and goals. While viruses and malware are among the most well-known threats, hacking extends far beyond these categories. Attackers use a range of tactics to steal information, disrupt systems, or gain unauthorized access to personal and corporate networks.

Some of the most common types of hacking include:

• Phishing: This social engineering tactic tricks users into revealing sensitive information by impersonating trusted sources, often through emails, fake websites, or text messages. For example, in the third quarter of 2024 alone, there were over 932,000 phising attempts made.
• Malware and Viruses: These malicious programs can infiltrate devices to steal data, corrupt files, or even take control of entire systems. Common examples include ransomware, spyware, and trojans.
• Keylogging: This method records keystrokes to capture passwords, financial details, or other sensitive information, often without the victim’s knowledge.
• Brute Force Attacks: Hackers systematically guess passwords using automated tools until they gain access to accounts or encrypted data.
• Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: These attacks overwhelm websites or networks with excessive traffic, making them slow or completely unusable.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks: Hackers intercept communication between two parties, allowing them to steal data or manipulate transactions.

While hacking methods vary, many of them rely on similar vulnerabilities—weak passwords, unpatched software, and unsuspecting users. Fortunately, most forms of hacking can be prevented with proper security practices. Using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and staying cautious of suspicious emails or links can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks.

How Cybercriminals Use AI and Automation in Hacking

Hackers are now leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to carry out more sophisticated cyberattacks. Some of the key ways they use AI include:

• AI-Powered Phishing Attacks: Machine learning enables hackers to craft highly convincing phishing emails that mimic real companies, increasing success rates.
• Automated Brute Force Attacks: Hackers use AI to generate and test thousands of password combinations rapidly, breaking into accounts with weak security.
• Deepfake Technology for Social Engineering: AI-generated videos and voice recordings can impersonate executives, family members, or colleagues to manipulate victims.
• Smart Malware and Adaptive Viruses: AI-powered malware can change its code to evade detection by traditional antivirus software.
• Chatbots for Scamming: Some hackers use AI chatbots to engage victims in fraudulent schemes, making scams more believable and scalable.
• Automated Vulnerability Scanning: Hackers use AI to scan the internet for security flaws in websites, software, and databases, allowing for faster exploitation.

As AI continues to advance, cybersecurity measures must also evolve. The best defense is staying informed, using advanced security tools, and practicing good digital hygiene.

Signs That Your Computer Has Been Hacked

Detecting a cyberattack early can prevent further damage. If you notice any of these warning signs, your computer may have been compromised:

• Unusual Slowdowns or Crashes: If your system is suddenly sluggish, frequently crashes, or freezes, malware could be running in the background.
• Unexpected Pop-ups or Ads: A surge in pop-up ads, especially when you’re not browsing, may indicate adware or a hidden virus.
• Programs You Didn’t Install: Unknown applications appearing in your installed programs list could be malicious software.
• Unusual Network Activity: If your internet usage spikes without reason or data transfers are happening when you’re not online, a hacker may be accessing your system remotely.
• Disabled Antivirus or Firewall: If your security software is turned off and you didn’t disable it, malware might be interfering to avoid detection.
• Unauthorized Account Activity: Strange logins or purchases from your online accounts often indicate stolen credentials.
• Files That Have Been Modified or Deleted: If personal files have been altered, encrypted, or deleted without your knowledge, ransomware or another type of malware may be involved.

If you experience any of these symptoms, take immediate action to secure your system.

What to Do If Your Computer Gets Hacked

If you suspect your computer has been compromised, follow these steps to minimize damage and regain control:

1. Disconnect from the Internet: This prevents further data transmission to hackers and stops malware from spreading.
2. Run a Full System Scan: Use a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program to detect and remove any threats.
3. Change Your Passwords: If you believe your credentials have been stolen, update passwords for critical accounts, especially banking and email.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to important accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
5. Check for Unauthorized Transactions: Review your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity and report any fraudulent charges.
6. Restore from a Backup: If your files have been corrupted or encrypted, restore them from a secure backup.
7. Update Your Software: Install the latest security patches for your operating system and applications to fix vulnerabilities.
8. Reinstall Your Operating System (If Needed): If malware persists, wiping your system and reinstalling the OS may be necessary for a fresh start.
9. Monitor Your Accounts for Future Breaches: Keep an eye on your online accounts and consider using a monitoring service to alert you to new breaches.

Taking these steps can help prevent further damage and secure your data from future attacks.

How To Make Your Computer Safe From Hackers: The Best Ways to Hack Proof Your Computer

Now that we have covered what forms a virus can take, we will now look at some ways that you can protect yourself from most major forms of hacking.

Use Strong And Unique Passwords (Or Use A Password Manager)

Sometimes, hacking can be as simple as someone guessing your password. That’s why experts recommend using unique, varied passwords that have many different characters. For example, if your name is Sam Lucas and you were born in 1983, you should avoid a password like samlucas1983. This is incredibly easy to guess, so you should rather use something that someone who doesn’t know you could never guess.

This could be the name of a childhood pet and the year that pet was born, for instance. Adding capital letters and punctuation can also make it harder to crack. Not only this, but experts also recommend changing passwords fairly frequently. They also advise that you don’t use one password for all your accounts and should make a unique password for each one.

If remembering all of these passwords gets too cumbersome, there are many password managers you can use to safely store and categorize your passwords.

Keep Your Software And Operating System Up To Date

It can be tempting to ignore a notification saying an update is available for a program, but you should always take the chance to update software of any kind. Not only can these updates include fixes and improvements, but they often implement more up-to-date security protocols to keep you safe from the latest hacking methods.

Use A Firewall And Anti-virus/Anti-malware Software

Viruses are a constant threat on the internet. You may think you are downloading a song or a picture, but if it’s from an unsecured source then there could be a virus lurking within the code.

Firewalls and antivirus software are always a good idea. Some anti-virus software is free, but it’s usually worthwhile to go with a paid product. These will have the most comprehensive protection and often include protection for malware and firewall features.

Use A Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are becoming more and more popular these days, and for good reason. VPNs can be a great deterrent for hackers, as they make you much harder to track which makes your data much safer.

We always recommend using VPNs for general internet use, as they can be useful for accessing regional content and keeping you safe from tracking and hackers. NordVPN is one of the top names in paid VPNs, and we frequently rate it as one of our top picks for the best VPN on the market.

This article we worked on shows you some of the benefits of this VPN when compared to another great service, Surfshark.

Enable Two Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is something that many programs offer for increased security, and it’s always a good idea to use it. This basically offers another layer of protection before you can access something.

The first layer will usually be a password that you create. After that, you can add something that only you would know. Sometimes it’ll be something like ‘your favorite author’ or ‘your favorite teacher’s name.’

These are simple examples, but there are also more intricate forms of two-factor authentication.

It could be a fingerprint or a specific device that you need to scan. The more advanced, the better, but it’s always a good idea to use this kind of authentication.

Regularly Back Up Important Files

File backup is something that can be easy to neglect, but it’s something we should all do regularly. In the modern age, much of our lives are stored digitally. This could be anything from important documents for your job to precious family photos. It could even be copies of your favorite songs or movies, and it can be easy to think they’re safe on your hard drive.

As some people have learned the hard way, this data can all be lost in the blink of an eye. This can happen because the hard drive gets damaged by a fallen cup of coffee or because a virus has caused so much damage that the drive becomes unusable.

These are just two examples, but regardless of how it can happen, you should always keep backups of any data you can’t stand to lose.

Ignore Spam Emails

If you have a Gmail account and have a look at your spam folder right now, there’s a good chance you will have a few potential scammers vying for your attention. These can be ridiculous, as many will be people claiming to be celebrities like Bill Gates who want to give you millions of dollars if you’ll only provide your banking details.

It’s usually easy to spot these typo-ridden emails as scams, but some can be a lot smarter. You may think you’re too smart to fall for spam emails, but if they catch you on a bad day and make it look convincing, then you can easily fall for it.

Some spam emails will make it look like they’re sent from a bank or maybe an internet service provider. They may ask you to re-enter your bank details or a password, and you may do so without looking too closely.

It’s important to never give out important information to unsolicited correspondence or sources you can’t identify without a shadow of a doubt as authentic.

Use Security Software That Can Detect And Block Malicious Websites

It can be easy to get tricked by websites that look official but are actually trying to expose you to viruses or other attacks. That’s why it’s important to use software and firewalls directly in your browser that will block and warn you of suspicious websites.

Identity Guard is a service we would recommend to get you started with protecting yourself from these and other kinds of threats.

Educate Yourself On Cybersecurity Practices

Cybersecurity can seem incredibly complicated, but there are plenty of sources to consult to make it much easier to understand. We have previously covered some ways you can get into learning about cybersecurity, so we definitely recommend giving that article a read to start your journey of learning more about cybersecurity.

We also did an overview of some of the best books on cybersecurity that can get you started when choosing informative literature on the subject.

Keep Your OS, Apps, And Browser Up-to-Date

Earlier, we spoke about keeping up with the latest firmware and software updates, but it’s also important to always update apps and browsers whenever you see a new one is available.

Secure Your Network And Router

Choosing the right network protection and router can be incredibly important for internet security. Some routers will have encryption and security protocols built in, so it’s always worth doing some research before buying a router.

We have previously looked at some great secure routers to consider to get you started.

Firewall

We’ve mentioned firewalls earlier in this article, but we will again emphasize how important they can be. A firewall will basically monitor all traffic through your network and detect any potential errors or threats. Many anti-viruses will come with a firewall feature, so it’s always worth checking when considering an anti-virus.

Encrypt Your Data

Lastly, you should always encrypt your data whenever you can. Encryption is used to convert data to a specific code that can make it much harder to access without the correct authorization.

There are many programs you can use for encryption, and operating systems such as Windows often have basic encryption conversion features for your files.

Where To Buy A VPN And Password Manager

If you would like to look into getting a VPN for yourself, there are many options to choose from. We would again recommend using NordVPN as our top pick for a safe, versatile option.

Recommended VPN Services

NordVPN stands out as our top choice for comprehensive online protection, offering:

• Military-grade encryption
• Over 5,000 servers worldwide
• No-logs policy
• Fast connection speeds
• Advanced security features

Password Manager Recommendations

When it comes to password managers, we would highly recommend services such as 1Password for an excellent, trusted password manager service.

• End-to-end encryption
• Secure password generation
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Family sharing options
• Digital wallet features

For an in-depth look at how these tools can enhance your digital security, check out our detailed reviews:

• Complete NordVPN analysis
• Comprehensive 1Password evaluation
• Comparison guides for both categories

Remember: While these tools require a small investment, they’re significantly cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of a security breach or identity theft.

Making Your Computer Secure: The Bottom Line

Protecting your computer from hackers doesn’t require a degree in cybersecurity. By implementing a few key strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target.

Take These Steps Today:

• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts
• Install reputable antivirus software
• Set up a reliable VPN
• Keep your software updated
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Back up important data regularly

Remember: Cybersecurity isn’t about achieving perfect protection – it’s about making your computer a harder target than most. Each security measure you add creates another barrier between your data and potential attackers.

Think of it like securing your home: just as you wouldn’t rely solely on a door lock for protection, your computer needs multiple layers of security to stay safe. By combining these basic protective measures, you’re already ahead of most users and significantly less likely to fall victim to cyber attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Most Common Hacking Methods?

The most frequent types of hacking include phishing, malware, keylogging, brute force attacks, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. Each method exploits different security weaknesses.

How Can I Protect My Computer from Hackers?

You can secure your computer by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, installing reputable antivirus software, keeping your operating system updated, and avoiding suspicious emails or websites.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and Why Is It Important?

2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (such as a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password. This makes unauthorized access significantly harder for hackers.

Why Should I Use a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data, track your online activity, or access your personal information.

Is Free Antivirus Software Enough to Protect My Computer?

While free antivirus software can provide basic protection, premium antivirus solutions often include more comprehensive security features, such as real-time threat detection, firewall protection, and malware removal tools.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Password Manager?

A password manager helps create, store, and autofill complex passwords securely, reducing the risk of using weak or reused passwords across multiple accounts.

How Often Should I Back Up My Data?

It’s best to back up important files regularly—at least once a week. Using both cloud storage and external hard drives can provide extra security in case of data loss.

How Do I Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams?

Phishing scams often involve emails or messages pretending to be from legitimate sources, asking for login credentials or personal information. Always verify the sender and avoid clicking on suspicious links.