In today’s online world, knowledge is power. Quite literally, you have access to a world of information at your fingertips. But, sometimes convenience comes at an expense. Even though knowledge is more readily available than ever, so is your personal information. And, while you might not be able to prevent a data breach from exposing your information, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from identity theft.
Be Proactive about Security
It’s always best to be on the lookout for suspicious activity, and a great place to start is by monitoring your credit card and bank account statements. Check regularly for any unauthorized purchases, which could indicate that your identity has been stolen. If you do find suspicious activity, report it to your bank immediately. You can even set up fraud alerts that notify you of potential unauthorized activity. In addition, check your credit report often for accounts and entries that aren’t yours.
Don’t Overshare
In an age when making friends and finding relationships on the internet is the norm, here’s a piece of good advice: don’t overshare your information. Watch out for emails that could be phishing for financial or personal data. Criminals target tax time, in particular, to steal personal information from people through online scams. They have also been known to call households, posing as a bank or government representative. Never open emails or attachments that look suspicious, and avoid sharing personal information with anyone you don’t know or trust.
Be Wise Online
When it comes to your online activity, start by ensuring that your home and work computers have up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware protection. It’s also a good idea to use a firewall to block any dangerous programs from infiltrating your network. Never transmit personal information over an unencrypted site. If you’re using public internet access, take steps to ensure your data is secure. When it comes to your bank’s online/mobile sites or apps, avoid using auto completion login information in case your device is ever stolen. And, speaking of passwords, make sure yours is unique. Too many people use common or easy-to-discover passwords, making theft much easier.
Conclusion
Remember, knowledge is power. And, when it comes to identity theft, the more you know, the safer your information and identity will be. By taking a few simple precautionary measures and being smart about your interactions with others, you can protect your information from being stolen and misused.