Take Precautions to Protect Yourself
Question:
Hi OnSite Computer Services, can you please give us some tips and tricks on how to protect ourselves from Identity theft on the internet. What things should we be aware of and how can we prevent and avoid letting our personal information fall into the wrong hands?
Answer:
No matter what you do on the internet there is always a risk that someone could gain access to your personal information. You need to remember that your financial credit affects nearly every part of your life, so in order to protect your identity and maintain control of your personal information the following tips are not to be taken lightly.
- Never use the same password on multiple accounts. In other words, if you have a hotmail account and an online bank account, use a different password for each one.
- When deciding on a password, always use a combination of upper and lower case letters including numbers. This is to prevent an intruder guessing your password or using a list of commonly used passwords to gain entry.
- Never use the "remember my login and password information" option on your web browser. (That's the little window that pops up and asks "would you like me to remember this password for later?" Choose NO.
- Never do internet banking if you suspect you may have a virus on your computer or if you don't have up to date virus protection.
- Remember, a bank/financial institution, PayPal or even the police will never email you for your account details, login or password.
- If you receive an email from your so called "bank" asking you to click the embedded link below and enter your banking information, DON'T, it's more than likely a trick. Thieves will create a look-a like site that will appear normal but you're actually entering the information directly onto their database. Be sure to always type in the web address yourself to ensure you go to the correct web page.
- When signing up for any services read the privacy statement and make sure that they will not sell or distribute your personal information to a third party.
- Sign up for a dummy email account (it's free from hotmail or Yahoo) that you can use on sites that require you to sign up with an email address. Some sites, even though they say they will not share your information will still send out offers or newsletters monthly. Having a dummy email account will ensure your primary email account that you use on a daily basis receives less junk mail.
- The internet is not the only way people can get your personal information. Beware of the telemarketer that wants your details for that prize you supposedly won and have to claim immediately. Don't EVER give your details over the phone whether it is an institution or a police officer. Ask them for a number you can call them back on and if you're still not sure than hang up, it's not rude, it's smart!
- Never click on a link in an instant message unless you are a 100% sure it is not malicious. Some virus's will take over other peoples instant messenger accounts and send out harmful links so that the virus can spread.
- Never open any email attachments unless you are expecting the attachment or you know it is from someone you can trust.
- NOTE TO ALL: The prince of some foreign country does not really need your help smuggling $20 million overseas. (Yes that is an email hoax to persuade you into giving your bank details and yes people do fall for it).
- Last but not least, just because you have the latest up to date virus and spyware protection this does not make you invincible online.
Everything you do on the online from buying goods and services to searching for your next pair of Spiderman Underwear can be easy and convenient thanks to the internet. But when reading about identify theft and fraud it may seem like the chips are stacked against you. They aren't, just be smart and educate yourself.
We live in a technologically advanced world where being anonymous in digital media is nearly impossible (try "Google"ing your name, you may be surprised what your name is associated with). By following these steps it will help you protect yourself against identity theft and potentially save you headaches in the future.
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