Staying Safe From Identity Theft on the Internet

By Curtis Adams

The world wide web has made life so easy for most people nowadays. You can access unlimited information, communicate with people anywhere in the world, and send and receive important documents. But there's a downside to all this convenience. Thieves are also taking advantage of the easy availability of information by accessing your private data.

Many people these days keep a lot of sensitive information stored on their PDAs, laptops and desktop computers. Private information related to bank accounts and credit cards, as well as the associated passwords, are often stored on these devices. It isn't hard to imagine the harm that can be done to your credit standing if an identity thief steals these electronic goldmines. Another way to grab the information he wants is to hack into your computer from a distance and dig out any useful information.

Here are some tips for identity theft protection that might help you to avoid this disastrous situation.

1) Block unauthorized access to your computer by requiring a password in order to log in. This includes your laptop and PDA as well.

2) Change your computer settings so it doesn't automatically remember your passwords. A lot of people have chosen the convenience of having their computer remember their passwords and enter them automatically. But it also makes it awfully easy for an identity thief to log in to your accounts.

3) On a regular basis, change your passwords.

4) Use antivirus software, and make sure it's always running. This will protect your computer from hackers who would otherwise be able to sneak into the system and take what they need.

5) File sharing is another danger area. If your computer is set up to allow the transfer of information between two computers, you're more vulnerable to hacking.

6) Phishing is among the fastest growing methods of illegally collecting confidential information. Typically, you will receive an email that appears to be sent by a legitimate organization. Once you click on the link, you will be asked to verify your password. This information is then captured and used to take over your identity.

In response to the increased problem of identity theft, many institutions now offer identity theft insurance. If your personal information is stolen or compromised, this type of insurance will pay for your costs in rectifying the situation. This can include legal fees, phone bills, and postage. You can also be reimbursed for lost wages if you missed work while trying to resolve the situation. If you don't think you could deal with these kinds of costs on your own, your best bet is to take out some coverage.

About the Author:

These days, nobody is safe from identity theft. It is one of the fastest growing crimes internationally. And it can happen to you. Visit Identity Theft Protection to learn how to protect yourself.