Top Ten Tips to Prevent Yourself from Becoming a Victim to Identity Theft
These days, the cases of a data breach are on a rise. More and more people are using their money and identity due to cyber crimes. Anybody can hack into the online banking software are buy credit monitoring programs. Although a major chunk of the identity thefts have not happened due to the weak computer and network security. They have occurred due to unfixed patches in the operating system which make the system vulnerable.
Lately, Verizon reported that there has been a data loss involving over 14 million users. The attack on Equifax was so humongous that it stole the personal information of over 143 million customers. Here are some steps which you can follow to protect your personal information and to make sure that your financial data and identity is not compromised.
- Install a robust antivirus program
Antivirus program protects your computer from a lot of external threats. In order to protect your identity from being stolen, it is important to have a robust antivirus for the security of your data. If you wish to install and activate Norton antivirus, which is one of the most reliable security softwares, go to Norton.com/setup.
- Beware of shoulder surfers
When you are in the ATM machine booth, watch out for people standing nearby. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure that nobody is peering and looking over your shoulder when you are entering your PIN number. Turn on the fingerprint scanner or facial recognition tool for identification purpose if the device supports them.
- Enable Photo ID verification
Instead of signing at the back of the credit card, write “see photo ID” at the back. In most cases, the clerks at the stores do not even notice the signature block on the bank card. A thief can easily use your credit card and make online or telephonic purchases because they do not need any signature verification. However, for some purchases, a signature verification is necessary to make the transaction. Therefore, in such cases, you get an added layer of security if you write “See photo ID” on your credit card.
- Shred all the receipts
Many identity thieves use the mode of dumpster diving or track picking for acquire personal information. Hence, when you are trashing your bills and bank card statements, old bank card, online transactions and ATM receipts, mails from your Credit Card Company, etc, you have to exercise caution because these papers contain a lot of significant information. Use a paper shredder and a file shredder software to dispose of these files.
- Destroy your digital data
Before you exchange or sell or give away you computer system, destroy all the computer data from all the disks and backup tape. Do not just delete the data and format the hard drive because it can be recovered. Use the available shredders to ensure that the hard drive data is permanently and completely destroyed.
- Secure your mailbox
Frequently empty your mailbox and lock it up. Do not mail outgoing bill payments and bank cheques from your home. These can be stolen and the payee’s name can be easily erased with solvents. Go to a Post Office or any other secure location to mail them.
- Encrypt your email
Use end-to-end encryption for email and messaging to protect your data. Use a password, face recognition, or fingerprint scanner to lock your device.
- Keep an eye on your credit report
Every year, analyze your credit report. There are various websites which give free credit reports. Review the credit report and ensure that the information is correct and watch out for any suspicious activity. Carefully review the credit card statements
- Secure your Social Security Number
Do not give away you Social Security Number randomly. Providing the last four digits of the social Security number can be risky too. Exercise caution while sharing the Social Security number.
- Use strong passwords
Use strong passwords which contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers. Keep different passwords for different websites and accounts and keep changing them frequently.
Norton antivirus software is a one stop security solution for your computer. If you have bought a Norton Product then for its activation go to www. Norton.com/myaccount.
Source:- norton.com/setup
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