precautions while using websites

A majority of customers that have been victim to a hack have had no security products installed on their machines and those that do more often than not forget to update their software. It is important to make an informed purchase by discussing your specific needs with various vendors. Ensure that its set to automatically scan your machine each day. Ensure that at least each week it connects to the vendors site and updates itself with new libraries of virus and malware definitions.

A related issue to domain name front running is that of unscrupulous domain registrars. Recently a domain name registrar was found to have registered every domain name that was entered into their search box. If you go to that registrar simply to check whether a domain name was available, your domain name will be instantly snapped up by them. Unlike the alleged domain name front runners, however, their operation is designed to be more anti competitive than anything else. You can still register the domain name at their advertised price which is more expensive than most other registrars , but only with them. No other registrar will allow you to buy that name, since as far as they are concerned, the domain name has already been bought.

Have you been using the same password for months, even years? Its important you change your password every couple of months or so. Plus, make sure the passwords you use are hard to crack. Dont use dictionary words, family names, or easily guessable words. Always use a combination of letters and numbers, and for maximum protection, and if allowed, also use symbols in your password.

The sooner you know youve been hacked, the faster you can react to it. So make sure you check your website on a regular basis. I use my two sites as my default website in the two browsers I use most often.If you prefer to pay someone to do it, the website SiteUptime will monitor your site for free every 30 minutes and send you an email alert if your site becomes unavailable they also have pay plans that offer more comprehensive monitoring .

If you use WordPress, youve probably been greeted by a message that says, WordPress ?Version Number is available. Please update now. These updates often include security fixes, so its important you update to the latest version as soon as possible.

Before installing a widget, visitor counter, or an ad network, make sure the creator/provider is reputable. For example, do they have a website with contact information? Are they popular with other webmasters? Are there any comments about their service from satisfied users? Taking the time to make sure no one else has had any issues with them is worth it.

If you use public Wi Fi, always verify that you are indeed connecting to the right network. Some hackers set up their own wireless network in hope youll mistakenly connect to them ? which can give them access to all your passwords and personal information on your computer. Plus, its a good rule of thumb to be very careful of what information you share when connected to public networks.

If possible, take your site down as soon as you can. This will prevent someone landing on your site from being infected by any malware the hackers may have embedded into your site.

If you do online advertising to draw people to your site, such as PPC ads, Facebook ads, Yahoo Search Marketing, stop them immediately. Youll be wasting your money, plus the less people you have visiting your site, obviously the better.

For your own peace of mind, you should try to determine the hackers motives. Was he just hacking your site for kicks . was he looking for sensitive information . or was he trying to use your site to infect your visitors with malware? What files are corrupted or missing? Determine what files you need to re upload to your site to get your site up and running again.