A computer that is connected to the internet has an IP (Internet Protocol) address. A DSL or cable modem connection keeps the IP address alive always. A dial-up account’s IP address is turned off by the service provider after a certain amount of inactivity. Dial-up accounts get a different IP address each time they are on. These IP addresses are the first piece of information that a hacker is looking for.

Common methods for finding the IP address are through chatrooms, looking up domain names on a domain name registrar site, or running programs that can create a log of all valid IP addresses. In a chatroom, a right click on the chat ID is all that is required to obtain the IP address. A domain registrar can yield a website’s employees’ names, phone numbers, fax numbers, physical addresses and IP addresses.

With the IP address, a hacker can send programs to the PC to test the system for vulnerabilities. The hacker then finds cracks in the software and file- and print-sharing options allows access to the hard drive, load any program on the drive and delete/change any file on the PC. The second method is to use ‘Trojans’, which pretend to do useful tasks--like playing a video or greeting--but actually help access info on the computer and/or even take over complete control.

Hackers use programs to crack passwords. Even a password-protected computer can be broken into and other passwords then cracked. A cracker dictionary has common computer terms and phrases, names, slang and jargon, easily typed key sequences (like ‘qwerty’), and phrases you might commonly use as a password.

Programs to crack passwords are handed out with copies of these dictionaries. A common method for cracking passwords is to get a copy of a system’s password file. It lists all encrypted passwords on the system. A hacker can then steal and delete files, load programs on the PC, involve an unsuspecting user in a computer crime and worse get home, office or bank passwords.

Securing your computer: Turn off your comp when not using it Use a firewall and anti-virus. Turn off file and print sharing. Be up-to-date. Hackers count on the public’s ignorance.

Specific measures: Don’t visit chat rooms unless they are closed and you know the administrator. Almost never open an attachment that ends in .DLL or .EXE, even if the email is from your best friend. The only time you can open such attachments is if you know what’s in them. If you’re not on your PC, but see its modem lights flash, a hacker could be testing for vulnerabilities.

Password protection: A good password is easily remembered, but not easily guessable. It should be kept a secret, never written down, never saved in a file. When a website asks if a password should be saved, say no. A password must have at least six or more letters, numbers or punctuations.

The letters should be capitals and lowercase. It should not have four or more letters found consecutively in the dictionary. Reversing the letters won’t help.