There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of attack — and, should an intrusion occur, to minimize the impact.
Install and activate a firewall program on every PC on your home network. A firewall is a software program that forms a virtual barrier between your computer and the Internet. The firewall selectively filters the data that is passed between both ends of the connection and protects your system against outside intrusion.
Deactivate file sharing on all of your computers, so attackers won't be able to access your personal files.
Activate password protection to access all of your computers. For increased protection use long passwords (should contain seven digits or more) with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
Create regularly scheduled backup copies of your important data — just in case.