Keep Safe from Computer Hacking

Computer hacking is identifying weaknesses in computer systems or networks, and to exploit those weaknesses to gain access. People who engage in computer hacking activities are called hackers. While many hack out of simple intellectual curiosity, some have less noble motives and are interested to steal or change information, or conduct destructive activities.

Who Are the Hackers?
Computer hacking is very common among teenagers and young adults, although there are many older hackers as well. Many hackers are true technology buffs who enjoy learning more about how computers work and consider computer hacking a kind of “art” form. They often enjoy programming and have expert-level skills in one particular technology. Their intentions are not nefarious.

Some hackers are professionals hired by organizations or governments. Their role is essentially to commit acts of espionage or disruption against other organizations or governments.

Some companies actually hire computer hackers as part of their technical staff. These individuals use their skills to find flaws in the company’s security system so that they can be repaired quickly. In many cases, this type of computer hacking helps prevent criminal hackers from gaining access to the company's system.

Why Hackers Hack
Hackers hack because they can. For some hackers, breaking into someone's computer is simply a challenge. They may not specifically intend to do damage to the computer. The thrill of simply gaining access is often enough. Some are eager to gain notoriety by demonstrating they can defeat a computer system. While others have criminal intentions, such as stealing information which they can sell or to cause damage systems.

What I need to Protect from Hackers
You need to protect your data. If your computer is hacked and the contents of the hard drive are deleted or destroyed, you can always reinstall the operating system and other programs. Your data is most important, and you must protect that accordingly.

Ways to Prevent Hacking

1. Update your operating and other software from the manufacturer frequently, if not automatically. This keeps hackers from accessing your computer through vulnerabilities in outdated programs.
2. Download up-to-date security programs and associated security definition files, including antivirus, anti-malware, and anti-spyware.
3. Implement a strong password policy:
• Use the 8+4 rule for your passwords. That is, the minimum length of your password should be 8 characters. Plus, include at least 1 of each character in these 4 categories:
• Upper-case letters
• Lower-case letters
• Numbers
• Special characters (e.g. !, @, #, $...)
• Change your passwords often - about every 60 days.
• NEVER share your account user ID or password with anyone.
4. Use 2-step authentication for any online service that offers it:
• The first step is entering your user ID and password.
• The second step is that the service you just logged into will send you a random code to your personal device (e.g. phone, tablet, or laptop). Once you receive the code, you will enter that in the appropriate place on the screen. That means a hacker would need both your user ID & password and your personal device to access your account. Adding two-step verification adds only a little time to your log-in process, and could potentially save you a lot of trouble.
5. Look out for suspicious emails. A lot of hacking attacks are performed through malicious email. "Phishing" sends victims seemingly innocuous emails that will lead victims to fake websites asking to update their personal information. Check the email address from the sender to see if it matches the website you think it’s from. For example, emails from Microsoft typically end with "...@microsoft.com". It should not look like "microsoft@another-domain.com" or "...@mmicrosoft.com" (extra character), etc.
6. Keep sensitive data off the cloud. When your data is in the cloud, the security is managed by the cloud storage company. Don't assume their security protocols are as diligent as you need. When using cloud storage solutions, use those that offer encryption. Encryption encodes the data which can only be decoded with a specific key. Stealing encrypted data files is virtually useless.
7. Don't download email attachments (e.g., pictures, games, electronic greetings) unless it's from someone you know. They may contain programs intent on causing harm.
8. Backup your data regularly. If a hacker accessed your computer and decides to delete or encrypt your data. You can recover your data from your backup.

There's no way to 100% prevent your computer from being hacked. Hackers continue to hack and look for computers with vulnerabilities. However, being vigilant and diligent will greatly reduce your risk, and keep your computer and data safe.

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Should I Open a Presentation With a Joke?

Steve Martin

An "ice breaker" is an activity in public speaking that is designed to immediately engage the audience and to get them ready to hear what you’re about to say. Many presenters attempt to “break the ice” by starting their presentation or speech with a joke. So, let's examine if that's really the best thing to do...

Why a Joke?

There’s a good reason that the established wisdom around public speaking tells us to begin with a joke. The right joke can get you off to a roaring start. It establishes common ground between you and the audience. It relaxes the audience and gives them permission to participate in the discussion. And it relaxes you. 

Getting a big laugh at the beginning of your presentation is tremendously reassuring. However, your audience will be made up of many people with different experiences and sensibilities. It's possible that some may take the joke out of context. In that case, the misplaced humor can come back to hurt you and your presentation.

Jokes NOT to Use
Sarcasm - This is generally used to mock someone or to give pain. Since that is typically not the primary goal of your presentation, do not use sarcasm in your presentations.

Offensive jokes - These are generally meant to offend and upset people. Because your audience is not attending your presentation to be offended, you should not make offensive jokes.

Jokes that require long, complex set-ups - If you have not yet bonded with the audience, they may not be willing to listen to a long set up. In some cases, these can confuse your audience, who may start wondering what your presentation is actually about.

Jokes That Can Work for You

Modest jokes - A light chuckle is often better than a failed belly laugh, especially at the presentation's beginning. Don’t feel like you have to bring the house down right way. Especially since you are actually not giving a presentation meant to be a big laugh.

Self-Deprecating jokes - These allow you to poke fun at yourself, and can work well at the outset. They express a certain level of trust you have in your audience, and you can show that you are accessible to them.

Gentle, topical jokes - Find a joke that relates to something that will already be on the minds of audience members. Jokes about the venue, a minor technical issue with your presentation, the theme of your topic, or a timely piece of pop culture should go over well.

In Summary

Humor is extremely powerful when used effectively. A good joke can loosen up your audience and make them more receptive to you as a person as well as to your message. Be aware that humor can have a negative impact on your audience. A bad joke can be worse than no joke at all, which can cause you to lose your audience before you really get started.

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