Hacking - Preventing Hacking Activity

PREVENTING HACKING ACTIVITY

While preventing all hacking activity is deemed nearly impossible by many computer experts, businesses spend billions on protecting computer networks. According to research group Datamonitor, spending related to network security will increase from $10.6 billion in 2001 to $22.3 billion in 2004.

The most popular method of protection against hacking among personal home computer users is anti-virus software. Companies including McAfee.com Corp. provide anti-virus software that scans a computer's hard drive for infected material, alerting customers when bad files are found. Firewalls, typically used for computer networks, have also become popular with home users, particularly those who use continual online connections such as cable modems and digital subscriber lines. Firewalls act as a deterrent to hacking by protecting private networks from the public, thus keeping most outsiders from tampering with computer systems.

Other software options—mainly used to protect larger computer systems—include Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), content filtering software, sand-boxing software, and behavior analysis software. IDS is considered one of the best protection methods for large networks. With an IDS in place, system administrators can monitor network requests and detect large-scale malicious attacks. Content filtering software is advanced antivirus software that reads compressed files and allows IT managers to set specific filtering parameters to block threatening email. Sand-boxing software protects against malicious codes. The software creates a protected space within a computer where suspicious code can run, before it has a chance to interact with the main operating system. Still in its infancy in 2001, behavior analysis software protects computer systems by monitoring entire networks and checking every command of all operations.

Unfortunately, many malicious hackers eye security systems not as a deterrent but as a mere obstacle to overcome. However, as long as hacking attacks persist, both individuals and businesses will continue to invest in programs and software designed to protect systems from unwanted visitors.