Most site owners are very paranoid about the possibility of their site being stolen or hacked, and are therefore insistent on using a web host that utilizes top notch encryption technology and other security measures. For a web host, a single lapse in security can result in the loss of entire networks for days at a time, so the level of security upheld is very high. In fact, there are governmental organization that regulate the security measures used by web hosts and mandate certain levels of security be maintained at all times. All of this makes the web hosting industry pretty safe in regards to fending off hackers. However, most people don’t realize that the security of their own computers hard drive plays an incredibly important role in the security of their web sites and hosting account.
The following information discusses the connection between computer and web site security, while also providing tips on how to ensure the safety of both your computer and your hosting account.
How Hackers Get Passwords
Contrary to popular misconception, hackers do not spend their time trying to compromise the integrity of massive web hosting networks in order to take control of entire servers,. Instead, they use thousands of individuals ‘drone’ computers to complete tasks like this for them. These computers belong to people that have installed the hacker’s malware on their computer. The malware consumes the computers resources for nefarious purposes, essentially creating a networked super computer out of a bunch of hacked computers. Of course, this in turn makes the computer slow in many cases, but not always.
Sometimes the hacker does not want to use your computer for hacking – they actually want your passwords. They obtain them by hiding a keylogger on your computer, which records every keystroke you make, in conjunction with your browser history. This allows the hacker to access your web hosting account, change the account’s email address and completely steal all of your domains overnight.
How to Avoid a Security Breech
The only way to keep the above scenario from happening to you is to keep powerful and proven antivirus software running ion your computer at all times. Since hackers find new ‘exploits’ and develop new malicious software on a daily basis, it is important to make sure your anti-virus software is updated on a routine basis. Fortunately most anti-virus software will perform automatic updates and handle the security of your computer on autopilot. It is also important to note that all anti-virus software are not the same, and most free anti-virus software are not adequate to provide complete protection.
What to Do After You’ve Been Hacked
Luckily, most people recover their domains and web hosting account by calling the hosting company and providing the necessary information, After recovering your information or domain it is imperative to change all of your passwords, potentially reformat your computer, and install an anti-virus software with active protection. Choose a new strong password that contains plenty of symbols, letter and numbers in order to make it harder for hackers to steal. Change your email addresses and any other basic online communication methods so that the hacker cannot track you down and begin harassing you again out of spite.
