Identity Theft is one of the most serious problems facing Internet users. Identity Theft is exactly as the name states -- someone steals your Identity and commits fraud in your name. It can result in untold financial and legal problems that may literally ruin your peace of mind and/or your life. Someone gaining control of your most personal details can reck havoc and result in dire consequences for you and your family.
You must do everything in your power to prevent Identity Theft. Actually, if you follow some simple 'common sense' procedures --you can reduce your risk significantly. Follow these simple steps and you may prevent yourself from becoming a victim of Identity Theft.
Please keep in mind, any computer connected to the Internet can be hacked! The only way to be 100% safe from Identity Theft is to not use a computer or the Internet. Even then, many banking institutions and government agencies may have your vital information in their hands and possibly online -- so no one is really safe!
Despite this grime prospect, there are many things you can personally do to protect yourself from Identity Theft. Stop would-be thieves in their tracks and make it really hard for anyone to misuse your well earned good name and reputation.
Try these relatively simple steps:
1. If you do a lot of surfing on the web -- set your own security standards!
Most browsers will let you set the security level of your connections. If you're using Internet Explorer, click on Tools in the task bar, go to Internet Options and set your level of security. Try to set this to as high a standard as you can.
2. Place a firewall on your computer or network. A firewall is a system or gateway that prevents unauthorized access to your computer or private network. It is usually the first line of defense in protecting your private information or data. A good firewall will help protect you from malicious attacks of spyware, adware, malware, worms, trojans, and hackers. There is no reason not to have a firewall in place, you can download a free firewall from www.zonealarm.com for personal use.
3. Get a good anti-virus software program that will help protect your computer against spyware, adware, malware and so on. Purchasing such a program that is updated regularly will save you money in the long run and will add an extra layer of protection for your PC.
4. Don't store your vital information (credit card numbers, family information, passwords, etc.) on your personal computer, instead store it on CDs or floppy disks or on a computer that is not connected to the Internet.
5. If you use passwords, make sure they are hard-to-guess passwords. You should have passwords that are at least eight characters long -- consisting of a mixture of numbers, upper case and lower case letters. Many security experts suggest changing your passwords regularly.
6. Never open emails from people you don't know. Especially, don't open any attachments until they are properly scanned for viruses and spyware.
7. Be aware of phishing -- this is where you get an official looking (though fake) email from companies that you may be doing business with -- never use a link in these emails to provide personal information. Always open a new browser window and type in your 'own' links you have for these companies or sites. Most secure connections will start with "https://"
8. Regularly check your operating system and download any updates that may contain security patches and fixes for your PC.
9. Use an encryption service if you can. This will help in protecting your vital data from prying eyes.
10. Always shut down your computer when its not in use -- especially if you have a cable Internet connection. And make sure you know who is using your computer. Keep track of family members or friends who have access to your computer.
No doubt there are many more ways to protect yourself against Identity Theft but following and implementing the above steps will give you added protection and peace of mind. In the same light, don't let your guard down -- always be aware of your surfing habits and the information or programs on your computer. Keep a close eye on your PC; any slow down or unorthodox operations should be checked out immediately. Scan your machine regularly, check out any unauthorized attempts to access your computer and keep your machine safe.
Believe it or not, a little common sense will go a long way in stopping Identity Theft and keeping your good name safe!
To learn more about Spyware and Adware Click Here: Spyware Removal Guide
Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of http://www.bizwaremagic.com
This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.
As you know, this time the virus under the name... Read More
The first thing people think about when defending their computers... Read More
Despite the current wave of identity theft and corporate security... Read More
Identity Theft is one of the most serious problems facing... Read More
These six ways to prevent identity theft offer you valuable... Read More
Phishing: (fish'ing) (n.)This is when someone sends you an email... Read More
Have you seen the web site, www.freestuff.com? Or have you... Read More
Spyware, viruses and worms... oh my!If you are connected to... Read More
When it comes to a secure website and passwords it... Read More
Pharming is one of the latest online scams and rapidly... Read More
May. 16th 2005 - MicroWorld has reported the discovery of... Read More
NETWORK SECURITIES: IMPORTANCE OF SECURITIESComputers and securities must form a... Read More
Spyware is the most troublesome software to appear on the... Read More
IPv6, IntroductionThe high rate at wich the internet continualy evolves... Read More
First off I should explain what phishing is. Phishing is... Read More
Have you ever had to call Symantec or McAfee to... Read More
In the past I've never really paid much attention to... Read More
A couple of days ago, I was searching for a... Read More
Today the internet is a mine field of malicious code... Read More
Internet is the ocean of knowledge. In this ocean you... Read More
If you are a parent, as am I, I think... Read More
When the Internet first came about, it was realized it... Read More
Be careful of sites that promise to send you "instant... Read More
You and I are a lot alike. We are both... Read More
Nobody wants to pay to remove spyware. At the very... Read More
Having a good Spyware eliminator on your computer is vital... Read More
Computer security for most can be described in 2 words,... Read More
Identity theft is one of the most common criminal acts... Read More
This is the second in a series of articles highlighting... Read More
Saturday, MasterCard blamed a vendor of ALL credit card providers... Read More
Some months ago, before there was much publicity regarding phishing... Read More
From the "Ask Booster" column in the June 17, 2005... Read More
The internet is undoubtedly a fantastic resource for families and... Read More
You can detect spyware online using free spyware cleaners and... Read More
A couple of days ago, I was searching for a... Read More
It's been with us since 1993, it's gotten more intrusive,... Read More
Someone recently told me, "You would have to be a... Read More
Before you enter your name, address or any other data... Read More
A new variation of the Nigerian Scam theme ... Read More
Do you know what "phishing" is?No, it doesn't mean you... Read More
What is a Firewall?The term "firewall" illustrates a system that... Read More
As soon as almost all computer users already got used... Read More
The Internet is a vast International Network of people and... Read More
Since its birth, the Internet has grown and expanded to... Read More
I Challenge You To Crack The Code ------------------------------------- I had... Read More
Spyware is software that runs on a personal computer without... Read More
Every single time you access a website, you leave tracks.... Read More
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified "phishing" as the... Read More
Shopping for horse gifts or other gift items on the... Read More
Viruses, Bugs, Worms, Dataminers, Spybots, and Trojan horses. The Internet... Read More
Protect Your PCHaving problems with your pc? Do your kids,... Read More
No auntie Sookie, not earth worms, computer virus worms that... Read More
I am the victim of an internet scam. It is... Read More
Identity theft is one of the most common criminal acts... Read More
1. Importance of a Virus Scanner: A Antivirus program can... Read More
Spyware, viruses and worms... oh my!If you are connected to... Read More
Paypal is a great site and is used by many... Read More
Is your enterprise following the rules?The bulk of financial information... Read More
Blaster, Welchia, Sobig, W32, Backdoor, Trojan, Melissa, Klez, Worm, Loveletter,... Read More
Have been an Internet user for more than 9 years,... Read More
Security leaks can be a big problem for any site... Read More
You'd better learn news from media, not from emails, security... Read More
If you use the internet, you have probably been infected... Read More
Well, if that would have been said to me by... Read More
This is not some new fangled techno-speak, it is a... Read More
P C. owners are constantly at risk from attacks by... Read More
Internet Security |