Hackers, often labeled as cyber criminals, are individuals or groups that infiltrate networks and digital devices without permission. Their typical aim revolves around obtaining confidential data, ranging from personal financial information to valuable business secrets, thereby threatening personal security and corporate integrity. This illicit access to sensitive data can lead to a multitude of detrimental consequences such as identity theft, financial losses, and corporate espionage.

To mitigate such risks, multiple protective measures can be implemented. Firewalls and antivirus software are instrumental in creating a robust digital shield against these unauthorized infiltrations. Firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, thus acting as a barrier between a trusted network and untrusted networks. Antivirus software, on the other hand, helps protect your computer against most viruses, trojans, and other malicious software, providing an extra layer of security.

In addition to these technical safeguards, adherence to the best practices for computer use is equally essential. Many businesses, particularly those that operate servers, are often running at full capacity around the clock. This continual operation potentially increases the visibility of these systems, making them attractive targets for hackers.

Being continually logged on makes your system more susceptible to cyber attacks. Therefore, it is highly recommended to log off when not in use. This practice effectively breaks the connection a hacker may have established with your network, thereby interrupting any potential malicious activities. Notably, logging off also clears temporarily granted credentials to network shares, adding another layer of security by preventing unauthorized access to shared resources.

Moreover, when you log off, memory consumed by opened applications is reclaimed. This not only enhances the performance of your system but also reduces the likelihood of software vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Consequently, combining both active protective measures and informed usage practices provides a comprehensive defense against cyber threats.