I found a great article on UpcomingTechs Blog about preventing hackers from intruding into your PC. It’s called What is Hacking? How not to be a victim?  In the article, the author explains what hacking actually means and then lists steps you can take to protect your PC and personal information from online thieves and attackers.

In short, he recommends:

• Do not click on unknown links
• Do not open emails from unknown senders
• Always use https web sites (secure http) for online transactions
• Install a firewall and use enhanced security and antivirus software such as Bitdefender
• Use very strong and long passwords for online services
• Turn off NET Bios option if you are not on a LAN (home/office network)

For detailed explanation and more information please visit this post.

This won’t keep you safe from all hackers, but if you are a basic home user and don’t keep state secrets and bank account numbers/passwords on your PC, it will definitely help. Then again, if hackers really want to get into your PC, they will find a way. After all, we all know that some hackers crack even highly secure government sites. It all depends on whether they have anything to gain from the intrusion. Some do it to steal information and money and others just for the fun of it, or because they are looking for a new challenge.