Why do you need a software firewall

Why do you need a software firewall?

Malicious hackers cause mayhem and embarrassment by breaking into huge, high-security systems like the Pentagon, the FBI, the Army, and Symantec (the makers of Norton Anti virus) so how safe can our little home computers be?

Probably not as safe as you might think, experts say. When you log onto the internet your computer essentially becomes part of the internet, and hackers use sophisticated, freely available software tools to scan vast numbers of such computers, looking for security vulnerabilities.

There are hundreds of free hacking tools available for anyone to download on the internet. They range from simple (but dangerous) port scanners, to highly advanced network probing tools. There are hacking tools for most popular software including Windows, Internet Explorer, ICQ, AOL, Outlook Express, and most other software.

Most people think they are safe from attack simply because they do nothing to advertise themselves to hackers. This is simply NOT TRUE. Most of the freely available port scanners scan all IP addresses on a network. This means that hackers easily scan all connections on an internet service providers network (including yours) in seconds. In fact hackers can scan an entire small country's networks overnight with the high tech scanners available for free now.

Port scanners are bad, but an even bigger threat for the average internet user is "Trojan Horse" programs. You most likely have heard about some of these programs previously. Back Orifice, Netbus, Sub Seven and Masters Paradise are just a few of the most popular.

So how do you get a Trojan? These programs are often disguised and hidden in other programs. You may download a game or any other program that you think is totally safe that contains a Trojan. There are many other ways of getting one of these programs on your computer. It can happen by email, any file transferring program like ICQ, or in some cases just browsing the internet. And what is bad is they are designed so you never know it is running on your computer. They are invisible! Most likely you will never know you got the Trojan.

What can these hacking programs do? After you get one of these Trojans on your computer, your computer is open to any hacker in the world. All a hacker has to do is put in your IP address and connect to your computer through the Trojan GUI (the other half of the Trojan that runs on their computer enabling them to control others computers). Then they have more control over your computer then you do. They can look through each of your files getting your personal information, passwords, bank accounts, credit card numbers, and any other thing you have on your computer. They can delete files, shut down your computer, read every keystroke you type, turn off your monitor, open your cd tray, display system messages on your screen, and many many other things. Perhaps even more dangerous, they can upload files to your computer and use it as a server. The can put pirated software, child pornography, or anything else they wanted on your computer and use it as a server for anyone else to download from. They can even steal your internet login name and password and use your internet account for their hacking!

So how can I protect myself from these hackers? The best way to protect yourself from hackers is a personal firewall. Firewalls allow only what you say is ok to enter and exit your computer. The firewall has complete control over everything connecting to your computer from the internet, therefore stopping hackers and Trojans in their tracks.

Cyber Kreations can come to your home or business and install a personal software firewall to keep you safe from hackers for only $50. Email us at webmaster@cyberkreations.com or call us at (979) 299-9755 for more information.

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