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Identity Theft, the 60 Billion Dollar Problem
The problem of identity theft is on the rise across the United States and other parts of the world. Last year in the United States identity theft cost Americans over 60 billion dollars. Beyond the dollar cost, the emotional impact of identity theft is devastating.
In this Internet age of online banking, shopping, social networking and tax returns, identity theft has become a problem that is growing rapidly. Although many identity theft victims fall prey to traditional methods of identity theft, such as stolen credit cards and social security numbers, the online world has also become a dangerous place. The following tips provide basic ways to protect yourself from online identity theft and also outlines basic security guidelines that every computer user should practice.
Protecting Yourself from Online Identity Theft
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Activate the Firewall on Your Computer. If your using Windows, make sure your firewall is activated by taking the following steps:
Go to the Control Panel
Click on the Security Center Icon
Click on "Windows Firewall"
Make Sure the "On" radio button is checked.
If your not using Windows, research your operating system options to assure you have a firewall enabled. Not having a firewall activated on your computer increases your chance of online identity theft, a proficient hacker could install a program that records every keystroke on your computer and places the information into a text log that can be mailed back to the hacker, giving them access to any of the information you have typed into your computer.
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Install a Anti-Virus Program:
Make sure you have anti-virus software on your computer. Not having a anti-virus program on your computer will leave you unprotected and increase your chances of falling victim to identity theft and other possible computer problems. If you already have anti-virus software installed, make sure that updates are taking place, typically, I see my anti-virus updating every two or three days at the least. Check your virus definition files at least once a week to make sure they are up to date.
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Say NO to downloads:
Downloading software off the internet should be limited to reputable or trusted websites. Downloading software from unknown sources will increase the chance of identity theft and could leave your computer compromised and open to other types of online havoc.
Installing software from un-trusted sources can place "backdoor" trojan programs that allow hackers to access your computer remotely.
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Use SPAM Protection:
Your email is just another transport method for spammers and hackers to gain access to your computer. If you have a spam problem, get a spam blocking program. Blocking spam will reduce the chance of identity theft as well as contracting a malicious, destructive piece of code that may take your computer down. If you receive email from an unknown email address, delete it.
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Don't use Unsecured Wireless Connections:
If you have a home wireless network, make sure that your wireless router is secure. Any security is better than nothing, so if you only have WEP, use it to password protect your wireless connection. Also, beware of public wireless connections, if you must use them limit any type of credit card use or online banking. Using a unsecured wireless connection increases your chances of online Identity theft.
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Turn your Computer off:
Leaving your computer on and unattended for long periods of time will increase the chance of your computer being compromised. The odds that Identity theft will occur increases anytime your computer is on, and that possibility only goes up if you are not there to recognize any anomalies that may occur on your PC.
These six basic security practices will significantly reduce your chance of online identity theft. If you do not use online banking, use your credit card online, or keep any valuable information on your computer your probably not at risk, however the majority of people online today use the internet to it's fullest potential, risking the disclosure of personal and private information.
Practice safe computing habits and make your online experience a safe and productive habit. |
