Understanding Hacking: Spotting, Stopping, and Preventing Attacks

LAST UPDATED: JAN 05, 2024

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

• What Is Hacking?
• What Happens When You Get Hacked?
• How to Tell If You've Been Hacked
• What to Do If You've Been Hacked
• Tips to Stop Hacking Before It Happens
• Avoid Hacking with Trend Micro
• How to Unlock the secrets of online privacy!

What is Hacking?

Hacking means finding and using weaknesses in accounts, computers, or networks to get into them without permission.

What Happens When You Get Hacked?

When hackers break in, they can do a lot of bad things:

• Take money or make fake accounts.
• Mess up your credit or buy things using your info.
• Sell your personal info on secret websites.
• Delete or ruin important files on your computer.
• Threaten to tell everyone your private stuff.

How to Tell If You've Been Hacked

You might notice:

• Weird stuff happening in your accounts, like buying things you didn't buy.
• Trouble logging in or your passwords suddenly changing.
• Emails or messages asking for personal info that seem fishy.
• Your computer acting strange, like being really slow or crashing.

What to Do If You've Been Hacked

If you think you've been hacked:

• Change your passwords quickly.
• Use extra security like two-factor authentication.
• Tell the people who can help, like your internet company.
• Use apps that stop unwanted calls or messages.
• Tell your friends and family so they don't get tricked too.

Tips to Stop Hacking Before It Happens

To stay safe from hackers:

• Make strong passwords with different letters and numbers.
• Use extra security like two-factor authentication.
• Be careful with suspicious emails or links.
• Get rid of accounts or apps you don't need.
• Update your computer and phone a lot for better security.
• Lock your devices and use tools to find them if they're lost.
• Only download stuff from places you trust.
• Turn off things you don't need on your devices.
• Use good antivirus software to stay safe from bad stuff.

Avoid Hacking with Trend Micro

Trend Micro has tools to help guard against hacking:

• Create strong passwords for each social media account using Trend Micro ID Protection Password Generator. This tool helps you make unique passwords, so you're not using the same one for multiple accounts.
• Use Trend Micro ID Protection to keep an eye on your social media account details. It sends alerts if there's suspicious activity or potential hacking attempts.
• Get Trend Micro Maximum Security for your device. It boosts protection against harmful software that hackers might use to access your device or make remote connections.
• Install Trend Micro VPN. It hides your identity and shields your personal info from hackers, especially when you're using public Wi-Fi.

See also

• Social Media Hacking: How to Keep Your Accounts Safe
• Device Hacking: What You Need to Know, How to Stay Safe