As you know the markets are unpredictable, but there are times when opportunities arise.
When we look to take these opportunities we must ensure the probability is in our favour and the risk taken is managed.
If we manage our risk appropriately, over a larger number of probable opportunities (eg 1000) a trader can generate a profit given one has a proven edge. ( eg 1 : 1.25 RIsk to Reward per trade – 55-60% win to loss ratio overall.)
A backtested strategy can help in providing statistics for performance along with confidence with execution.
One of our strategies with an excellent track record can be found here. 
From this we can see that being a successful trader is a long term pursuit of constantly managing risk.
This is extremely important in the world of online prop trading as there are risk parameters which need to be adhered to in order to pass the challenge to become funded and also after passing.
Banks, Hegde funds, large Institutional market participants understand this very well and use algorithms to take advantage of poorly risk managed capital .
Leaving capital exposed and vulnerable is like leaving valuables in clear reach of a thief. The moment these advanced algorithms get even a sniff of money left on the table by a trader ,they will sure to activate and collect this opportunity.
This is one of the reasons why many breach the challenge parameters especially the daily and max loss rules set by most prop firms.
A high level of mindfulness, vigilance and super focus is required as a trader in these environments at all times.
One way to manage risk when faced against rivals with far better technology and greater capital, is to be super disciplined when it comes to risk and preserving capital and to use advanced tools such as a 
VPS and specific risk management/protection 
programs to apply this to your trading.
Once you set your risk parameters DO NOT ALTER THEM. eg, you set a daily risk and target at 1%.