In today’s digital age, online identity theft has become a major concern for all individuals. Or at least it should be.
Cybercriminals are finding new ways to steal your personal information every day.
And when they get it, they can do irreversible harm to your financial, personal, and professional lives.
Understanding a couple of the leading ways your identity can be stolen and how to take preventive measures against it can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online identity theft.
The most popular forms of online identity theft, and what you can do about it.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing is a common technique used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information such as login credentials, social security numbers, or financial data. They do this by impersonating legitimate entities, such as banks, government agencies, or popular websites.
Preventative Measures
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails, calls, or messages asking for personal information.
- Never give your personal information to someone who called you first. Even if it’s the bank, and there’s been “suspicious activity on your account.” Tell them you’ll call them back through the bank’s public customer service number.
- Never share sensitive information through email, text messages, or social media platforms.
- Use strong and unique passwords for each online account, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Avoid clicking on any suspicious links. Sometimes these links come from your friend’s social media accounts after they have been hacked. If a friend sends you a suspicious link, message your friend first and ask them a question that only they would know.
Data Breaches
Data breaches occur when cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to a company’s database containing customer’s personal information. This stolen data can include names, addresses, credit card numbers, and more.
Preventative Measures
- Regularly monitor your financial accounts and review your credit reports for any unauthorized activity or unfamiliar transactions.
- Use a secure and updated antivirus software on your devices to safeguard against malware and other cyber threats.
- Be cautious of sharing personal information with websites or services that lack proper security measures.
- Sign-Up for a credit card that offers free identity theft alerts.
Additional Preventive Tips
- Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities such as online banking, shopping, or accessing personal accounts. Instead, use only secure password-protected networks.
- Shred Personal Documents: Shred or securely dispose of documents containing personal information before discarding them to prevent identity thieves from rummaging through your trash.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your financial statements and credit reports for any unusual or unauthorized activity.
- Be Wary of Social Media: Limit the amount of personal information shared on social media platforms, as cybercriminals can use this information to target you.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, apps, and software to protect against security vulnerabilities.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network adds an extra layer of protection between you and the cyber criminals attempting to access your information.
Final Thoughts
Online identity theft is real, it happens every day, and it can be horrible if it happens to you. But, by understanding just a few of their favorite tactics and regularly implementing preventive measures, you can easily safeguard your personal information.
Stay vigilant, practice good cybersecurity habits, and remember that being proactive is the best defense against online identity theft.
