Windows XP Hacks, Second Edition

8.1. Hacks 75-82

From the moment you turn on your PC and connect to the Internet or a network, you're in danger. Snoopers and intruders might try to get into your system; crackers might try to install Trojans to take control of your computer or turn it into a zombie and use it to launch attacks against other PCs or web sites. Day by day, the Internet and networks become increasingly dangerous places to be.

The hacks in this chapter, though, show you how you can use the Internet and networks and still be safe. You'll learn how to hide files and folders using encryption, how to test your PC's vulnerabilities, how to use firewalls to harden your PC against attacks, and more.