Over the past few years, the number of network intrusions and hacking of network systems and websites has increased exponentially. Computer hacking is so common nowadays that it has become a sort of menace. Any business be it small or big needs to guard their network systems against unethical hackers. Here are some effective techniques to help protect your systems from the hands of malicious hackers:

Anti-virus software: Always use the most updated and latest version of anti-virus and anti-spyware on your system. To prevent any hacking of passwords and important, confidential files, encourage employees to refrain from opening e-mail attachments from unknown senders. After all opening email attachments from strangers is like inviting hackers to break into your system.

Firewall: Implement firewall on your network systems. A firewall has built-in filters that allows only authorized users to enter. Firewall is actually a barrier which prevents unauthorized or potentially dangerous viruses from entering your computer system. A personal firewall is a software application which only filters the traffic which enters or leaves a single computer. Whereas network firewall filters the entire traffic entering or leaving the connected networks.

Use updated operating system:One of the most important things you can do to protect your network system from malicious hackers is to keep your operating system up to date. Run Microsoft's Windows Update feature regularly and download critical updates at least once a week. These updated versions usually protect against any vulnerabilities in Windows or Internet Explorer.

Use Secure payment gateways: For doing any online transactions, it is advisable that you use secure websites. Banking transactions done on unsecured websites can result in the theft of confidential information such as credit card details which can be misused later on. That is why it is imperative that you make payments only through the reliable and trusted payment gateways such as Paypal.

Stay alert of Phishing: Phishing is a password cracking technique in which sensitive personal information is acquired by sending fake emails on the pretext of security verification. The moment user types the password and presses the login button, this information reaches to the hacker. So the golden rule to avoid this is to never share your user ids and password.

Security policy: Follow a strict security policy in the company. Whenever any employees leaves the company, delete his/ her user name and password. Encourage employees to use unique passwords which can't be guessed easily and change passwords every three months.

Hire ethical hackers: If you think, your network systems have been hacked, it is advisable to hire professional and trained ethical hackers who would enter into your network system with permission and prevent any loss of information. Even if your system is secure, it makes sense to run a check on your computer to look for any security breaches.

By following all these simple and easy to follow tips, you can avoid hacking and ensure security of your network systems.