Criminals aren’t confined to the streets, and just like the real world, the internet can also have plenty of dangers. Identity theft is one of the most concerning risks online, where somebody steals your personal information for nefarious purposes of their own. Of course, identity theft also occurs in real life, but the nature of the internet makes this crime easier for those who perpetrate it. From bogus websites to dodgy downloads that will record your keystrokes, there are several risks to be aware of when it comes to protecting your identity online. So, what steps can you take to keep your identity safe?
Update Your Security Software:
Whatever device you use to get online, it’s important to ensure that it has good security software installed, enabled, and updated on a regular basis. Spend some time choosing the right security software for your needs; there are plenty of options available to suit everybody’s budget and the type of device that you use. While security software might not always protect against every type of identity theft online, it’s a good first line of defense.
Be Vigilant About What You Click On:
Dodgy web links could land you in a lot of trouble before you even realize what has happened. Phishing emails are a very common form of identity theft. For example, you might receive an email that appears to be from your bank and opens a website that looks legitimate, but in reality, your login credentials for online banking are being stolen. Very few banks and other financial organizations will send out emails like this, especially if you haven’t requested one, so it’s best to avoid clicking on links in emails like this unless you are absolutely certain that it has come from a trusted source.
Use Strong Passwords:
Using the same passwords for everything or using passwords that are easy to guess can be a real problem when it comes to identity theft. Some common passwords to avoid include names of people close to you or your pet’s name, since these can often easily be found on social media and are very easy to guess. And, using the same password for everything means that if a hacker manages to gain access to one of your online accounts, they will now have access to everything. Your best bet is to use a password manager, which will allow you to create and store several different login credentials securely.
Check What’s Available:
Today, anybody who uses the internet simply cannot get away from the fact that there’s going to be information about them available online. But knowing what’s out there and taking steps to protect it is the first step to ensuring that your identity is kept safe. You can use Nuwber to conduct a search on yourself and find out more about your public records are available to find online.
Shop On Secure Websites:
If like many people you shop online a lot, it’s important to take a few minutes to check that a store is genuine and secure, even if you have shopped there before as hackers have been known to create duplicates of trusted stores. The easiest way to do this is to check that the website address begins with ‘https://’. It’s also worth paying with a credit card wherever possible since this provides further legal protection against fraud.
