Protect Yourself from Hackers

Do you conduct much of your banking, shopping, or bill management online these days? With how easy and convenient these tasks have become, more and more people are taking care of them online. But that convenience has a cost - the risk of identity theft. One of the most common ways identity theft is now committed is through hackers stealing your personal information from your computer. A simple computer virus or a stolen password can give a hacker all he or she needs to turn your life upside down. Thanks to ever evolving technology, hackers have more and more ways to steal your identity. So what’s the best way to protect your self from identity thieves? Simply be up to date on all of their latest scams and tricks. If you know how they work and follow these easy tips, you can rest easy knowing your identity will be kept safe.

Tips for Protecting Your Identity

Never give out your personal information online, over the phone, or in person unless you know and trust the source. Remember, all it takes is just one vital piece of your personal information to be put at risk.
If you use online banking service, pay credit card bills online, or make any online purchases, make sure you use a secure sign-on password. Your password should contain letters and numbers. It’s also smart to use different or slightly varied passwords for different websites.
Do not carry your social security card or number in your purse or wallet. Your social security number is perhaps the most important piece of identification you have so securely stow it away.
You should request a copy of your credit report several times a year and review it for mistakes or possible identity theft occurrences. Your credit report contains a record of all the debt you owe so you should be able to spot anything that doesn’t belong there.
Be cautious of all your actions on the computer. A simple email could easily infect your system and allow hackers to steal your identity. Protect yourself with the latest anti-virus software and security updates.
At home, keep your most sensitive personal information locked way in a safe or filing cabinet. If you store that information on your computer, make sure it is located in a password protected file.

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