Multi layer security against hacking

Use multi layer security - Reliable ISP, Firewall, Anti virus software, Spyware, a strong password, proper secured setting of updated operating system etc. - in a system to prevent hacking.

Username and passwords are encrypted and stored in computer as .sam file at %systemroot\system32\config. On 2k systems, windir%\NTDS\ntds.dit.pwdump2. Password in Unix are stored at /etc/passwd subdirectory. cat /etc/passwd will display the contents of the file, if you have permission to do open the file. Crackerjack (DOS) and Ripper are used for password cracking.

Avoid personal related passwords - birthday, phone number, vehicle number, bank account number, regular number sequences, words like help, test, admin, tester, system, sysop, ops, demo, aid, display, call, phone etc.

Choose an ISP, webhost and e-mail service that offers online virus, spam and content filters. Various online threats are due to viruses, worms, spyware, Trojans and spam. Filter out Java and active X controls. Deny URL screening and logging using GET messages. Port 22 - ssh, port 80 - web server, port 514 -UDP 'syslog'. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack on servers is the latest threat - bandwidth consumption by malicious flood of service requests. For more info on DDoS attacks www.insecure.org