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With identity theft and fraud on the increase, I wanted to give you some practical ways to protect yourself both online and off. One of the keys to enjoying life to the full is taking reasonable steps to avoid painful situations where ever possible.
A few months ago my computer was compromised and I am still picking up the pieces from that little episode. In today’s world there are so many different ways for unscrupulous people to invade your life, that it is the course of wisdom to take some preventative measures. The following 17 points are designed to help you do exactly that.
Avoid identity theft: Ten preventative measures
Tens of millions of people have fallen victim to some sort of identity theft. They face not only the expense of resolving the situation, but also may have problems with their credit history for years afterwards.
However, there are quite a few steps you can take to protect your own identity:
1. Shred sensitive documents. Shredding any documents with your financial information, Social Security number or other sensitive information is a bare minimum to protect your identity.
2. Use a locking mailbox. For an identity thief, getting their hands on your paperwork can be just as easy as opening your mailbox and pulling out a few envelopes. Having a lock on your mailbox can protect you.
3. Contact the post office if there are major changes in your mail. If you suddenly stop getting mail, check to make sure that no mail forwarding was set up without your knowledge. You should also contact the post office if you think your mail may have been stolen.
4. Put your cards, passports and other documents somewhere safe. The fewer pieces of sensitive information you carry around with you every day, the less chance you have of losing something.
5. Change your PINs and passwords regularly. It’s rare to find someone who changes their passwords on a regular basis, but it’s important. And that goes double for your bank and credit card accounts.
6. Protect your computer. Keeping your anti-virus software and spam filters up to date should be a priority no matter how much or how little you use your computer.
7. Keep in mind how much information is already out there about you. When you’re setting passwords and security questions, remember that information like the name of your high school, your mother’s maiden name and even your first pet are probably out on the internet somewhere.
8. Minimize who actually has your information. Many of the forms that ask for your Social Security number and other personal information don’t actually need it. You’re well within your rights to ask how a particular organization plans to use particular bits of information before handing them over.
9. Check into security breaches. If you hear that your information could have been included in a security breach, it’s worth checking into. Banks and other companies with access to your information will usually be able to tell you just what information got out and what sort of problems to look for.
10. Beware of emails from eBay and banks. Even I have been fooled in the past when I was rushed and responded to an eBay fishing scam (I knew I had something up for auction under my name, and someone else had posted it for me). Fortunately I realized that it was likely an identity theft scenario shortly after I did it, but I still had to go through all the paperwork and security precautions as a follow up.
So as number ten, I would advise you to make sure that you are VERY careful about responding to any bank or eBay requests, and NEVER enter your password and username in response to an email they send unless you first call them to confirm it is an authentic email.
Source: Lifehack
7 Online blunders that threaten your identity
There are many ways to invite identity theft, and certain online blunders can render your computer an inoperable mess. Here are the top 7 most common mistakes you don’t want to make:
1. Assuming your security software is protecting you. Security software is fully effective only when activated and frequently updated. Renew the subscription when the software prompts you, and make sure your security software is active when you’re online, and that it has been updated within the past week or so.
2. Accessing an account through an email link. No matter how official an e-mail message looks, trying to access a financial account by clicking on embedded Web links is risky. If the e-mail message is fraudulent, a cybercriminal could use the account number and password you enter to steal your identity or empty your bank account. Access your online accounts only by using your existing browser bookmark or typing in the institution’s Web address.
I was actually nailed on this one when I was in the middle of selling something on eBay and clicked on a phishing scam that I thought was related to an active auction in progress, which one of my assistants had done for me.
If you suspect that an e-mail is a phishing attempt, forward it to spam@uce.gov and reportphishing@antiphishing.org.
3. Using a single password for all online accounts. Nine percent of home Internet users designate a single password for all their accounts. That practice lets someone who gets your password and steals your identity easily access all your accounts. Using different passwords need not be burdensome. Use slight variations on one password.
4. Downloading free software. You couldn’t resist that neat, free utility. Now your computer runs slower than ever. That’s because spyware was probably packaged with the freebies. Download freeware only from reputable sites such as SnapFiles.com and Download.com. Eliminate most spyware by downloading the free Microsoft Windows Defender and scan your PC.
5. Thinking your Mac shields you from all risks. Mac users fall prey to phishing scams at about the same rate as Windows users, yet far fewer of them protect themselves with an anti-phishing toolbar. To make matters worse, the browser of choice for most Mac users, Apple‘s Safari, has no phishing protection. Until Apple beefs up Safari, use a browser with phishing protection, such as the latest version of Firefox or Opera. Also try a free anti-phishing toolbar such as McAfee Site Advisor or FirePhish.
6. Clicking on a pop-up ad that says your PC is insecure. Fifteen percent of respondents to our survey who saw pop-up ads clicked on them. But that’s never a good idea. Even if you know such pop-ups are phonies, they’re still dangerous. It’s easy to click inside the ad by mistake and be transferred to a spyware site or, worse, have malware automatically downloaded onto your computer. When closing a pop-up, carefully click on the X on the upper left or right corner, not within the window. To avoid pop-ups altogether, enable your browser’s pop-up blocker or use a free add-on blocker such as Google Toolbar.
7. Shopping online the same way you do in stores. Online shopping requires special precautions because the risks are different than in a walk-in store: You can’t always be sure who you’re doing business with. You must disclose more personal information, such as your address, to the online retailer. Thieves can sneak in undetected between you and the retail site. Use a separate credit card just for your Internet shopping. Don’t use a debit card. Sites that display “https” before their address when you’re entering sensitive information and those displaying certification symbols from TRUSTe and other organizations are usually safe, but there are no guarantees.
How to regain your privacy online
In addition to these seven valuable tips, I highly recommend checking out Identity Theft Deterrent. It’s a great resource where you can learn more about how to protect your personal information against free distribution.
For example, did you know your personal information is listed in at least 49 FREE online directories that are accessible to anyone? With nothing more than your name, someone with less than good intentions can access these directories and compile an astounding amount of information about you, your family, your home, your work, your social network and more, making stealing your identity, planning insurance fraud, planning a robbery, or worse, easier than ever before. Identity Theft Deterrent has done all the leg work and heavy lifting to make it easier for you to take back control of your private information and protect your privacy.
Source: Yahoo Finance
An ounce of Prevention
A few months ago, someone hacked into my banks customer files. They sent out emails telling everyone that they needed to change their PIN number for their ATM access because of a security breach. Thankfully, the bank was quick to detect and remedy the problem, and no one lost any money. But I live in a very small rural town in Oregon, which illustrates how widespread the problem really is.
Friends, as we all work toward a life of exceptional quality we want to remember the old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” I hope you found this information useful and informative.
If you have any additional pointers please share them.
