Protect Yourself Against Online Identity Theft
Life is much easier for many of us these days because of the internet. There's a wealth of information available to you, you can talk to people just about everywhere, and it makes it easy to transmit documents. However, all these benefits come with some potential problems. Thieves are also taking advantage of the easy availability of information by accessing your private data.
Many people these days keep a lot of sensitive information stored on their PDAs, laptops and desktop computers. Private information related to bank accounts and credit cards, as well as the associated passwords, are often stored on these devices. It isn't hard to imagine the harm that can be done to your credit standing if an identity thief steals these electronic goldmines. Another way to grab the information he wants is to hack into your computer from a distance and dig out any useful information.
Here are some tips for identity theft protection that might help you to avoid this disastrous situation.
1) Set up your computer so that it requires a password in order to access any files. This includes your laptop and PDA as well.
2) Change your computer settings so it doesn't automatically remember your passwords. A lot of people have chosen the convenience of having their computer remember their passwords and enter them automatically. But it also makes it awfully easy for an identity thief to log in to your accounts.
3) Change your passwords frequently.
4) Use antivirus software, and make sure it's always running. These programs can keep hackers from infiltrating your system and stealing your information.
5) File sharing is another danger area. Your system is more open to being hacked if you have a wireless network that shares information between more than one computer.
6) Phishing is a very common means of gathering your personal information. This crime is most commonly in the form of an email that looks like it comes from a legitimate financial institution. Once you click on the link, you will be asked to verify your password. This data is then used to steal your identity for fraudulent purposes.
In response to the increased problem of identity theft, many institutions now offer identity theft insurance. These policies typically cover any expenses you incur related to the theft of your identity. Postage, the cost of phone calls, and related legal fees are all usually covered. It can also cover lost wages if you have to take time off work to deal with all the issues that will arise. If you don't think you could deal with these kinds of costs on your own, your best bet is to take out some coverage.
Many people these days keep a lot of sensitive information stored on their PDAs, laptops and desktop computers. Private information related to bank accounts and credit cards, as well as the associated passwords, are often stored on these devices. It isn't hard to imagine the harm that can be done to your credit standing if an identity thief steals these electronic goldmines. Another way to grab the information he wants is to hack into your computer from a distance and dig out any useful information.
Here are some tips for identity theft protection that might help you to avoid this disastrous situation.
1) Set up your computer so that it requires a password in order to access any files. This includes your laptop and PDA as well.
2) Change your computer settings so it doesn't automatically remember your passwords. A lot of people have chosen the convenience of having their computer remember their passwords and enter them automatically. But it also makes it awfully easy for an identity thief to log in to your accounts.
3) Change your passwords frequently.
4) Use antivirus software, and make sure it's always running. These programs can keep hackers from infiltrating your system and stealing your information.
5) File sharing is another danger area. Your system is more open to being hacked if you have a wireless network that shares information between more than one computer.
6) Phishing is a very common means of gathering your personal information. This crime is most commonly in the form of an email that looks like it comes from a legitimate financial institution. Once you click on the link, you will be asked to verify your password. This data is then used to steal your identity for fraudulent purposes.
In response to the increased problem of identity theft, many institutions now offer identity theft insurance. These policies typically cover any expenses you incur related to the theft of your identity. Postage, the cost of phone calls, and related legal fees are all usually covered. It can also cover lost wages if you have to take time off work to deal with all the issues that will arise. If you don't think you could deal with these kinds of costs on your own, your best bet is to take out some coverage.
About the Author:
These days, nobody is safe from identity theft. It is one of the fastest growing crimes internationally. And it can happen to you. Visit Identity Theft Protection to learn how to protect yourself.
posted by Credit Counseling at
12:55 AM
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