A number of recent hacking attempts on local businesses has become a sobering reminder that every system has its vulnerabilities.

Hacking is the attempt to access a computer or network to exploit its information, often for monetary gain; stealing information and holding it for ransom or selling it to competitors.

President of SolutionsIT Dennis Kehler, says one way to defend your system is to understand there is a social aspect.

"The most successful hacks will often have a social engineering aspect to them as well. How easy is it to receive an e-mail that says your package was late if you want to see more information click here. Suddenly you're drawn into a process you did not intend to be a part of."

President of SolutionsIT Dennis Kehler.

This is similar to phone scams says Kehler, if we understand how these work, we can avoid being fooled by them.

Anti-virus software also helps protects your system from malicious programming.

However, passwords remain the first line of defence for your system, a combination of at least eight letters and numbers are recommended. Using different passwords for banking, e-mail, or other sites that use your personal information can increase your defences as well.

Kehler also recommends having back-ups of all your data and files in the event your information is taken hostage.

In a world where people can access systems illegally, having those who can fight for security is becoming increasingly important.

Jon Funk, Computer Science Teacher at Garden Valley Collegiate, oversees a program called Networking and Cyber Security.

The class teaches students the fundamentals of computers as well as both hardware and software security.

Funk also heads the Cyber Defence Club. He says as the world revolves more around technology, businesses are looking for people trained in computer security to protect their information.

"Technology is a huge part of our daily lives and will continue to be a part of our lives in the future. The more things we do online, we have more of a risk to be hacked, including companies. Since they're doing more things online and networks, they need people to protect their systems."

Jon Funk Computer Science Teacher at GVC.