Protecting Yourself From Internet Identity Theft

Protecting Yourself From Internet Identity Theft

Most people don’t think twice when using the Internet to shop online, pay bills, follow the latest news or get the weather forecast. However, the Internet is a lot more dangerous than people think, and there are precautions that should be taken into consideration when providing personal information online due to concerns over identity theft.

Identity theft continues to grow and much of that growth could be attributed to increased Internet use on your computer and handheld devices. In Wi-Fi areas you should be extra cautious, especially if you’re using a credit card to purchase items online. Make sure you’re using a secure and trusted network. There is no guarantee that your information is always 100% safe.

By using protected networks about where you input your personal information, you’ll decrease the chances of your information being compromised.

Here are some ways to help protect yourself from Internet related fraud and identity theft:

• Set up a firewall: This helps to form a blockade between your trusted network and any unknown or untrusted networks trying to access your device/computer.

• Encryption: This provides excellent protection against most forms of traffic interference. You can’t assume your data will never be hacked. Encryption is a security precaution that works to ensure your documents and messages are secure and essentially unreadable to everyone other than the anticipated receiver.

• Secure Network Password: Make sure your network is password protected with a code that only you know – and do not give this out to just anyone.

Having an identity theft protection plan can also be beneficial if any of your personal information is stolen or compromised. Be careful when surfing the web to make sure your identity is secured.