The term “unauthorized access” means invading the privacy of someone’s computer without their consent. Such a situation can arise if you leave your system unattended or use the Internet without a firewall to protect against malware and viruses. You can take preventive measures to protect your data regardless of the operating system.
Today, users know password protection is essential for wireless networks and systems. Although cyber rogues can access your private data, there are still a few loopholes that most users are unaware of. Therefore, cybercriminals utilize these shortcomings to gain access to your system.
This article covers tips and techniques to prevent unauthorized computer or network access. 
Install All Security Patches
People using Windows PCs often ignore Microsoft updates that ensure the security and protection of your confidential data. These usually pop up during work – thus, users tend to ignore them to avoid interruptions. However, they are unaware that these updates are critical as they include updated security patches that ensure better data protection.
Suppose you are concerned about why these updates are required. In that case, the operating system and browser you use have specific susceptibilities, which may give unauthorized computer access to hackers. In addition, hackers can quickly determine loopholes to invade a computer. It is recommended to set the Microsoft Updates to automatic to save time and valuable data.
Browsing the Internet? Pay Attention to File Sharing
This is critical if you are surfing the internet on a Local Area Network (LAN), where the file-sharing feature is enabled for unlimited users. To keep your data protected, you should turn off this feature. If you do not want to deactivate it, share files and folders only with users and systems you know. Enrolling it can make your system an easy target for hackers to invade. 
Keep the Firewall On
If you understand the concept of a firewall, you should also know its significance. This acts as a protective wall or layer between you and the internet. Before sending, a firewall’s primary responsibility is to track and scrutinize all the data exchanged between the computer and the server. If your firewall thinks there is a threat, a pop-up warning message may appear to notify you. Having a firewall turned on can easily stop potential threats in the form of malware or viruses.
Carefully Read Your Email Messages and Know the Senders
Most users tend to ignore or neglect email security despite knowing about it. It is imperative to ignore email messages you receive from unknown sources. Further, do not open any attachments from a source you do not trust. Email attachments are among the oldest methods to send malware and viruses.
Maintain a Proper Backup of Your Data Online
One thing that you should avoid doing is surfing the internet for important data on a computer that is infected. It may further create trouble as hackers can easily invade your computer to get unauthorized access to your valuable data and information. Creating and maintaining a backup of all your data online is recommended. There are different platforms available to store your data on the server. Rest assured, such platforms are reliable as they offer limited or unlimited storage space for a specific amount.
Use Strong Passwords
Using a personal password for all your accounts is essential to prevent unauthorized access. A user must be more careful about this if they use a shared system. Apart from this, make sure to change passwords often.
- Use antivirus software. “Do not avoid security patches.” Download a solid antivirus to prevent viruses, worms, and others. This will prevent your computer from being hacked.
- Keep the software up to date.
- Verify your software security. Do not allow any application to make changes to your computer.
- Back up early and often. Use websites that provide storage and allow you to keep a copy of your information. It will help to keep the data safe.
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