How to Protect Yourself Online From Identity Theft

The Internet is a big place, which makes it a great platform for identity thieves to get i;American victims per year, it’s important to keep your information secure while online.
But if you spend a lot of time on the Internet and do most of your banking and billing online, putting you at risk, how can you make sure your information won’t fall into the hands of a thief? Check ou the following tips to help lower your risk of falling victim to identity theft.

Only Use Secure Networks

Avoid accessing personal information on unsecure networks. At your home, ensure that you’re using a trusted Internet provider and that your network is secure and password protected. If you have personal files on your computer, don’t connect it with unsecure networks in public. If you stick to secure, trusted networks, it’s more difficult for hackers to get ahold of your information.

Check That You’re Using a Trusted Site

One easy way for identity thieves to get ahold of personal information is by having you enter it on an untrustworthy site through phishing scams. Be wary when entering any personal information and make sure that the URL says https:// in the address bar instead of http:// and that you see a padlock icon on the left-hand side of the address bar. Even if you find this information in the address bar, you should research the website beforehand to make sure you can trust it with your information.

Sign Up for Identity Protection Services

Perhaps one of the best ways to protect your identity is by signing up for identity protection services. These services can help by monitoring your accounts and credit score to alert you quick if someone has stolen your identity. They can also prevent theft by scanning your Internet and monitoring your privacy. You can even insure your finances to protect yourself if someone steals your identity. Visit IdentityTheftProtection.org;for more information on different identity protection services.

Secure Your Computer

Another way identity thieves get ahold of information is through installing viruses on your computer. Sometimes these viruses can monitor keystrokes so the thief can gain access to your passwords or other information. Be sure to protect your computer against these attacks by installing anti-virus software, but since some of these programs can be viruses themselves, it’s important that you research the software to find the most trusted and effective program. You may also consider using a personal firewall, which could help keep you virtually invisible online.

Be Wise With Your Passwords

Sometimes a password is all a thief needs to launch an attack. Be wise about your passwords and follow these safety precautions:

• Avoid writing down your passwords. If you must write them down, keep them in a difficult-to-find place and never save them on your computer.
• Use different passwords for various accounts, especially for things like bank or credit card accounts.
• Use complex passwords with a mixture of symbols that can’t easily be traced back to you.
• Change your passwords often.

Be Careful With Your Email

An email account is not necessarily secure. Don’t send personal information over email, such as social security numbers or bank account numbers. Avoid opening emails from people you don’t know or sites you’re unsure you can trust. Be especially wary of downloading files from email programs since they can come with Trojan viruses, and don’t click on links within an email.

Keep Your Personal Information Personal

As much as you can, attempt to keep your personal information to yourself, even on social media sites. Avoid posting your birthdate, mother’s maiden name, billing companies, or other identifying information where others can easily find it. Even if your profile is private to only you and friends, hackers may be able to find ways around this to view your updates and get ahold of your information.
If you spend a lot of time online, you might find yourself more vulnerable to identity theft, but by following these tips, you can lower your risks.

courtsey: honeytechblog