Eight Ways to Prevent Online Identity Theft

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Living a private online life isn’t always easy, but it is necessary. Unfortunately, with data breaches and online tracking, your private financial and personal information are in jeopardy.

But there are ways to protect your online identity. Most methods are not difficult. The number-one way to secure your privacy is to be vigilant. Here are eight ways to protect you and your family.

Passwords Must Be Complicated

Most people know to use strong passwords. For example, not using a birthday or grandchild’s name is common sense. But how strong should a password be? Start with the length. Although eight digits is usually required, passwords should be 12 or more digits long.

They also should not be words but a series of unrelated numbers, letters, and symbols. Letters should be both capitalized and lowercased. It may be hard to remember, but the point is to keep a thief or their computer from breaking into your private information.

Don’t use the same password for everything, and change them often. Two-factor authentication will also go a long way in protecting you. It’s inconvenient, but so are the consequences of identity theft.

Don’t Share Online

Beware of sharing information online. This includes Facebook and other social media.

Posting information about your granddaughter’s birthday party on her big day, and sharing her age, is not a good idea. You’ve opened yourself and your granddaughter up to identity theft.

Avoid sharing information when filling out forms online. If the information is optional, don’t give it. One way to protect yourself is to create throw-away email addresses. Create an email that you only use for subscriptions or newsletters

The more information you share, the more pieces of your identity puzzle you give a thief.

Use Software Updates

Bugs that create vulnerabilities in software happen all the time. That’s why developers send out software updates.

Privacy hackers are very aware of these and take advantage of weaknesses. By not updating your Windows systems and other software, you are susceptible to attacks.

Make sure to install updates immediately or set your computer to update automatically.

As an added protection, download antivirus software; it will protect you against malware like spyware. This malware works in the background to collect credit card information.

Protect Wireless Router With Password

Always password-protect your home or business’s wireless router. You risk a hacker stealing information from your computer if you don’t have a password.

Also, enable your wireless router’s encryption feature. This scrambles any data you input online. It protects sensitive information.

Remember, if you’re in a store or coffeeshop and use their wireless network, do not make purchases or send any personal information over the internet. Hackers often hang out in these venues to steal information.

Always Use Encryption

Make sure the website has encryption before making a financial transaction online.

Look for the small lock on the far left of the address bar. It’s located in front of the URL. You also must look for an extra “s” at the end of the http in the URL. This will assure you the website is encrypted. This means nobody can see the information sent to the site owner. Your sensitive information is safe.

If a website isn’t encrypted, don’t make a credit card transaction or give any personal information.

Avoid Phishing Scams

These scams use many methods to acquire personal information. To avoid having your identity stolen, never open emails or attachments if you don’t know the sender. Also, don’t click on unsecure links from unknown emails.

If you’re offered an unfamiliar job opportunity or money, this is usually a scam. Requests from charities could also be a ploy to steal information.

Offline scams also take place. One that is common is the text scam.

One example of a scam is a text that claims to be from Amazon and states that if you don’t pay your Prime membership fee, you’ll lose it. If you pay it through the link provided, you’ve just had your credit card or any other personal information stolen. Amazon doesn’t send texts or contact individuals to solicit money.

Another scam is a relative sending you an email claiming they need money quickly. Don’t fall for it. Instead, contact you relative to verify.

The best course of action is to avoid giving your credit card or information to anyone online you don’t know.

Don’t Let Search Engines Track You

Enable cookies on your browser only when necessary. Cookies tell search engines like Google or Bing what website stores or sites you visit. This is a door that dishonest people can open to obtain your personal information.

Remember to clear any cookies you have accepted. You can find this in the settings on your computer.

Using a virtual private network (VPN) is wise. It’s a service that protects online privacy and internet connection. It does this by creating an encrypted tunnel for your data. It hides your IP address, which protects your online identity.

Eliminate Unused Apps

Apps can open the door for identity thieves. They collect details about your activities. They’re not designed to protect your data and have few security features.

For example, Strava, a fitness app that makes route recommendations for cyclists and runners, had a flaw. When Strava published an interactive map for users, they revealed secretive U.S. military bases in Syria and Afghanistan.

Delete all apps that you’re not using.

Vigilance Fights Online Piracy

It’s not the most convenient way to conduct online activities, but vigilance will protect you. Keep your passwords strong; this is easy to do, but often overlooked.

Beware of phishing scams, and always use encrypted websites when making a purchase. And if you’re not using a VPN, always make sure you clear your cookies.

Taking these steps protects your personal and financial information and your family.

The Epoch Times Copyright © 2022 The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.