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Simple Steps You Can Take Now to Prevent Identity Theft

February 18, 2010 at 1:15 AM Leave a comment

Identity Theft

by Stan Stahl 

Many people think that as long as their computer is in their possession, no one can access the information on it. But identity thieves have many clever ways to get information from your computer. Did you know they can remotely install rogue programs that take over your computer or they can park near your home and intercept your wireless network signals?

Here are some basic ways to protect your computer from cybercriminals:

• Set Microsoft Windows and Office to automatically update security patches and service packs.
• Install a reputable host intrusion prevention system, such as Blink. Basic antivirus/antispyware software is not adequate protection against today’s threats. (One year of Blink blink is free for personal use.)
• Don’t run peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, such as Kazaa, Limewire or BitTorrent.
• If you have a wireless network, encrypt it with WAP2 encryption.
• Don’t click on website ads offering to scan your computer for free. Instead of scanning your computer, many of these offers actually infect it.
• Never open unusual or unexpected email attachments, not even from people you know. Your friend’s computer may have been taken over by a virus or worm and instructed to send the malicious code to everyone in their address book. 
• Never follow links in emails that request your user names, passwords or financial information. A reputable bank or credit union will never email you asking for such information.

Guard your online financial information

• Never send your Social Security number, bank account numbers or credit card numbers in unencrypted email.
• Only buy online from merchants whose URL begins with https://. You can also look for the small lock symbol at the top of your browser window. HTTPS provides encrypted transmission between the user’s computer and the merchant. While it provides protection from your transaction being intercepted by criminals, it does not provide any assurance that information stored on the merchant’s server will be protected.

Monitor your credit

• Subscribe to a basic credit monitoring service (AAA offers a free basic one for members).
• Review your bank and credit card accounts each month for fraudulent activity.

Protect your information away from home

• Keep your laptop with you at all times. Never leave it in your car.
• Keep Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned off except when you are using them.
• Consider encrypting the hard drive of your laptop. If you lose the laptop, the information is still safe. (You can get free encryption software at http://www.truecrypt.org/.)
• Don’t use public computers or public Wi-Fi for online banking or shopping. You don’t know how secure they are.

As a general rule, don’t give your information to anyone online, except when establishing accounts with reputable businesses. Once the account is established, never log on from an email link, a public computer or public Wi-Fi.

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