The full virus scan will allow you to scan your devices for malware and security breaches that could leave your device vulnerable to exposing your personal information. Furthermore, the scan will fix any issues that it uncovers. Here are the essential ways hackers can breach your network.

Find Weak IP Addresses
The first way that predators hack into your network is by finding weak IP addresses. In this case, hackers’ computers do all the work for them. They start numerically from 0.0.0.1 and continue upwards until a weak address is found and they are able to make a connection. There are approximately 4.2 billion combinations worldwide for these addresses; but, as noted, their computers do the work for them, so that large number does not have much of an effect.

Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are one of the oldest tricks in the book, and also one of the most successful. These scams typically come in the form of a mass email that appears to be from a legitimate author or entity, such as your bank or a subscription site. These emails ask readers to click an embedded link to verify their account and enter their login information. This gives hackers access to your personal information

Free or Cheap Software
You may think you’re getting a bargain, but downloading cheap or free software may be putting your network at risk. These downloads could offer hackers an “in” to your network, supplying them with sensitive information or allowing them to introduce malware or viruses to your devices. Instead, you are better off paying for software that you can verify is secure.

Password Hacking
This is a method that requires some trial and error, but hackers still have success breaking into networks this way. Commonly, people use the passwords that came with their router/modem, making it easy for hackers to guess the password. Always set your own passwords using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Change passwords once or twice a year.

Ghost Messages

Malware spreads easily – that’s what makes it so dangerous, and with the high amounts of traffic on social media sites today, passing along viruses is easier than ever. If you receive responses from emails you’ve never sent, this could be a sign that you’re infected. Typically, these “ghost” messages are sent with a link and an exciting caption to get your friends and family interested (remember that Nigerian prince scam?) Usually, the virus spreads once someone clicks on the link. Make sure to always check your “sent” folder in your email, and if there are any messages you didn’t send, immediately change your password and account details.

Ransom

If you’re ever surfing the web and a message comes back alerting you that you are locked out of your account until you pay a fine, this is almost always a hacker trying to steal your information. This type of virus is called ransomware, because the virus is holding your computer ransom until you pay this fine. If this happens to you, whatever you do, don’t pay up. Sometimes, the ransomware encrypts your files – at that point you might not be able to recover your data even if you remove the virus. For protection, make sure to continuously back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud so you won’t lose your data in the event your computer fall victim to malware.

Programs Stop Responding

Most computers have a keyboard shortcut that will show which programs are causing trouble. On PCs, the keyboard shortcut can be accessed by holding the Control, Alt and Delete buttons at the same time. If this task masker doesn’t show up and you can’t identify which web app is slowing you down, this might be a sign of a virus.

“Helpful” Pop-Ups

Sometimes, a Pop-Up will appear stating that your computer has a virus and, by following a link and paying money, they will remove it for you. Never trust these messages, and never click on such a link. By agreeing to the pop-up’s terms, you are downloading more malware and losing money.

Unfortunately there are many viruses that can haunt your computer secretly, have access to all your accounts and your hard-drive. Most of these viruses can go undetected until it’s too late. Download PSafe Total to make sure you and your computer never fall into the wrong hands.