Protecting Your Identity Online
Your identity is your single most important possession. It defines everything about you, contains your entire life. It's imperative that you should protect it at all costs from anyone who would try to hijack it. Identity theft is a lot easier and more comprehensive these days, with crafty criminals able to dig deep into every aspect of your online life. Here are some simple steps you can take do to make sure internet identity theft never happens to you:
- Be aware of the threat of spyware, and install anti-spyware programs such as Spy Sweeper to make sure your computer and files stays in your hands
- Don't write passwords down or keep them in a file where they could be found by someone looking; instead either memorize them or use automatic password programs like RoboForm.
- NEVER post any sort of personal information on any public site.
- When purchasing products online, at the time you are asked for personal information the address should change from http to https or shttp or a small closed lock should appear in your browser status bar.
- If you're providing your email to an established site, look for a certification that the site doesn't relinquish personal information. One of the most popular verification sites is Trust -E. Beware of phishing scams, in which you'll receive an email from a company you recognize asking you to send them additional personal information. Professional companies will never ask for personal information through email, so if one does, don't reply to the email and contact the company directly.
- You'll almost never be asked for your social security number online unless you're applying for a job or providing information to a government agency, , so be wary of any company that says they need it. Always certify the security of the site that you're giving your social to.
- Only use one credit card online, and monitor this bill especially closely.
- If the deal looks too good, it probably is, and should be avoided. Online crooks will offer what seem like incredible deals in order to get what they really want; your personal identify.
- Contact authorities if you suspect that your identity has been stolen. This means calling the Federal Trade Commission at 1.877.IDTHEFT, contacting the FBI's Internet Fraud Complaint Center at www.ifccfbi.gov, and make a report to your local police.
Dan Arseneault