Hidden Internet Risks and How to Manage Them 5
Your PC could also be targeted.
Damage of unauthorized access and how to manage it.
Damage of unauthorized access
What is unauthorized access?
Unauthorized access occurs when someone exploits a defect or security hole in software installed on your computer to compromise your data. Computers with weak security are constant targets.
For example, malicious actors perform the following:
- Steal files and personal information stored in your computer (personal information leakage)
- Make your computer or server as a steppingstone for virus and spam email
And through the above-mentioned malicious acts, you may become a victim. Examples are as follows.
Example: Data/information being compromised
Your personal information including your user ID, password, or even your credit card number can be stolen. Also, your important information can be stolen through your email.
Your stolen information can also be used for shopping or paid service without you noticing it.
Example: Your computer being used as steppingstone
Steppingstone refers to a computer which is being used as a steppingstone to compromise other computers or distribute spam email.
If your computer is used as a steppingstone, you may become the perpetrator unknowingly.
You may even get restricted by your ISP, losing connection to the internet.
To prevent your computer or server being used as a steppingstone, Asahi Net implements Inbound Port 53 Blocking (IP53B).
Unauthorized access to SNS, EC website, etc.
Recently, there are cases where malicious actors try to access SNS accounts (such as Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LINE, etc.) and EC websites. It is also referred to as being “hacked” or “cracked” and damages due to account hacking (account cracking) is increasing every year. Keep in mind that there are also malicious hacking/cracking tricks.
How to prevent
This section gives you information on how to prevent unauthorized access.
Install a security software/service/plugin
If your computer gets accessed from the outside, your personal information may be stolen, your computer may be infected by a virus, or your computer may be used to attack other computers.
To prevent unauthorized access, it is recommended to install a firewall. Firewall is a software which monitors the entrance/exit between your computer and the internet and shuts out unauthorized communication.
Set the security of wireless LAN
If you are using a wireless LAN without setting the security, a third person may connect to your wireless LAN unknowingly, and it may lead to unauthorized access to your LAN or be used as a steppingstone for malicious acts on the internet. Please be sure to set the security for your wireless LAN so no third person can use it without permission.
Reference:
America’s Cyber Defense Agency: Securing Wireless Networks
Safely manage your password
It is common sense not to let anyone know your password, but it is also important to set a different password for each website you use. It is also important to change your password on a regular basis.
Also, make sure to set a password for your smartphone so that it will not get accessed easily when your device is lost or stolen.
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Know the hidden internet risks. What should you do?
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- 5. Your PC could also be targeted. Damage of unauthorized access and how to manage it.
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