Identity Theft Prevention Online
With the growing use of the internet comes a larger amount of identity theft cases stemming from cyber crimes. Social networking sites and blogs are not making the process any easier for consumers to protect themselves and every time you post on your social networking site you are leaving an imprint of your personal information on the web for these cyber criminals to snatch up. Worse? Once that information is there, it is typically impossible to remove without professional services.
Does this mean consumers should avoid the internet at all costs? Of course not, but when using the internet and all of its associated websites, a consumer needs to know how to protect themselves from cyber crime. Some things to consider are:
Internet Privacy
No matter what website, email server or computer you are using, it is essential that a consumer have the highest level of privacy settings engaged. Never allow a site to use their “default” settings, since the majority of default settings are little to no protection. Before creating a blog or social networking profile, read their privacy rights and statements cautiously and know what type of information these social networking sites can share with others.
When signing up with online websites, use the least amount of information possible. Social networking sites will often ask for things such as full names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. Consumers will typically fill out these forms entirely, even though the only information required is a name and email address. Provide only the information that is needed for a site and nothing more.
Passwords
It is a lot easier to remember your dog’s name or your daughter’s birthday, but these types of information should never be used for an internet password. Even if you are signing up for something as simple as a social networking site, a strong password should always be used. Often social networking sites are teeming with cyber criminals compiling mounds of data they steal off personal profiles each day. Secure your social networking site with a strong password.
Be Cautious
Remember that what you post can circulate the internet. Be cautious before you post information regarding your address, full name or even information regarding your children. When posting photos to blogs and social networking sites remember that people can download them and use them for their own. It is also important to realize that with social networking sites a consumer should only connect or link to individuals they actually know so that strangers are not given access to their personal profiles.
Security
Never allow your computer access to the internet without a proper firewall and anti-virus/spyware software installed. Often blogs and social networking sites can contain malware that will be downloaded to your computer just by visiting the site and clicking on a few links.
Resources:
ITRC Solution 14 – Protecting Your Online Identity, www.idtheftcenter.org, November 29, 2010