Data hijacking is an operation that involves the creation of an unauthorised program in a server or terminal to steal data or tamper with information, documents or images. The person involved in this operation is called a "hacker". Find out what hacking is in this article.
The art of hacking
Hacking is practised through different programs such as Rootkit software, Trojans, keyloggers and others. For more information, see here. The perpetrators also use various schemes to hijack the server, commit identity fraud and engage in phishing activities to collect the user's personal or banking details.
How can you tell if your computer has been hacked?
It is possible that your PC shows signs of hacking, such as so-called antivirus messages, an untimely login toolbar, redirection to strange addresses, random pop-ups, ransomware, etc. If you experience any of these symptoms, you know you are the target of a hacker.
Unauthorised intrusion into systems/networks
To avoid unofficial intrusion into systems and networks, you should follow some basic security guidelines:
- Download programmes from approved sites
If you plan to upload a music, video or utility program, do so from a trusted website. There are many sites that offer to upload certain valuable software, but they may contain Trojan horses or spyware programs that a hacker might use to get information from your PC.
- Do not accept email attachments
Email is one of the preferred tools for cybercriminals to spread malware. Spyware or viruses are hidden in the attachments and in the links where the infection starts. Therefore, never click on random attachments when they do not come from a trusted structure.
- Scan all types of hard drives before use
Hard drives such as USB sticks, mobile devices or external hard drives should be scanned by a USB scanner to remove any kind of malware.