Hacking is a very common phenomenon and is practised way too often by people all over the globe. Some hackers try to get access to people’s personal online banking details, while some try to access a celebrity’s social media profile. In either case, cyber crime is at an all time high and you certainly run the risk of being one of those people whose computer system gets hacked as they stare at their computer screen almost helplessly. What you fail to realize is the very simple and basic fact that in a few easy steps you can secure your computer and avoid any kind of Internet mishap.

Usually, when you run your own website, the first step is to go through the process of domain name registration. You may not realize it, but most of the cyber crimes usually begin at this very stage and hence, you need to be extremely alert and ensure that you opt for a private domain name instead of public domain name, as it effectively conceals your personal information. However, there is more to cyber crimes that meets the eye.

Given below are some essential tips that can protect you and your computer system from falling prey to the merciless hackers.

1. Steer clear of generic usernames:

Sometimes, you need not go through strenuous procedures to protect your system from the annoying hackers. All you need to do is be a tad vigil when performing everyday computer activities. The username, for instance, should not contain names that are too obvious. Everyone prefers the name ‘admin’ to a more complicated and structured username. This is where they go wrong. By going the easy route and selecting a generic username, you are not just simplifying things for yourself, but you are quite literally compelling the hacker to choose your computer system for cyber crimes. Instead, use a complex combination of words and numbers to create your username. However, while you create a good username, you must also ensure that remembering the username should not be an issue.

2. Make sure you take care of the cookies especially when on a public computer system:

It is easy to forget to clear out the cache and cookies on your way out of the cyber cafe. It does not matter whether you visit a cyber cafe to simply check your mail or chat with your friends on the myriad of social networking sites, the personal information fed by you to register with these sites can be easily misused by the hackers if you aren’t careful enough. Therefore, you must always, without fail clear the cache and cookies even if you use public computers for the most trivial of reasons.

3. Know the script before you run installation:

Just the way you need to be extremely cautious when going through the process of domain name registration, you also need to be aware of the script that you choose to install. Therefore, every script that you install must be authorized. This holds true especially when installing third party scripts. If understanding these scripts is not your strong point, you can always pay careful attention to the codes and other such factors, as they will be effective in pointing out whether the script is of a third party or not. Besides, the internet can lead you to informative and interactive forums that will help you in this procedure.

4. Comments may not always work to your advantage:

Although comments are a great way to network and interact with your followers, it can also be used as a platform for cyber theft. Sometimes, unwarranted HTML tags can wreak havoc and therefore, you must filter comments before approving them on your website or blog.

Roland Carter is a freelance writer and an e-book author of http://domains.bookmera.com/. He recently took to writing a technology blog. He warns people to be extra careful when going through the domain name registration process. He is also a baker and loves spending his weekends in the kitchen.