Internet Safety Tips To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Thanks to Internet, many people these days are enjoying the convenience of banking, paying bills and shopping from the convenience of their own home. And many of these people find it convenient to store a lot of personal data on their computers or PDAs, including their credit card and banking information and even their user names, passwords, and PINs. The danger of doing this is that a skillful hacker has no trouble accessing a computer from anywhere in the world and getting the information that the owner thought was so safely stored in the computer’s files.

You shouldn’t only be worried about the money you have in the bank or your credit card numbers being figured out and used, either. The fact is, once a criminal has your account information, he can actually assume your identity and apply for more credit cards, loans and other sources of credit. Your credit can be ruined for the rest of your life if the wrong person gets your information and uses it to their advantage. In order to keep this from happening to you, use the tips contained in this article to keep your sensitive information safe.

1. The first precautionary step that you should take is to set up your computer or PDA so that a password is needed before any files can be accessed.

2. Also make sure that your passwords are not stored in the computer. A lot of people have chosen the convenience of having their computer remember their passwords and enter them automatically. But the convenience isn’t worth losing your identity to someone you don’t know.

3. File sharing is the transfer of information between one computer and another, and it allows for easier access to your information. If your network allows file sharing and you use it, make sure you are protecting your password.

4. Another layer of protection is to change your passwords and any security questions that are used by some sites at frequent intervals.

5. Use a firewall and antivirus software and be sure that they are always updated and running.

6. Phishing is one way thieves get your information illegally, so watch out for it. The thief sends out numerous emails that claim to be from a legitimate business, often a credit card company or a major bank. Typically you will be asked to verify your PIN number, password or other account information. If you send them the information, they will use it to clean out your bank account.

7. It is usually safe to shop online, but you need to only give your credit card number to sites that have been verified and are secure. The best option for online shopping is to use PayPal or another third-party company that can transfer funds securely.

There are many ways that you can become a victim of identity theft. In fact, nobody is completely safe from the threat of this devastating crime. Get the identity theft facts you need at Protect My Identity.