Safety is of primary importance. Learn the most crucial steps to keep yourself protected from any kind of identity fraud.
It is indeed really scary to know that, in just one year, around thirteen million users, of USA, get victimized with the evil of identity theft. This just the statistics of one country, hence, precautions are needed by everyone for avoiding any unpleasant event. Today, we will inform you about the important methods you need to know about, so that you can keep you and your near ones safe.
1. Make sure your Password and PIN number are secured
Experts recommend that passwords should not be saved without any encryption on the computer. Furthermore, if there is a piece of paper or a diary, where you keep your password or pin code details – then make sure to keep that item locked somewhere safe. Ensure that there is nobody else who can access it.
For saving sensitive information on the computer, you should make sure that you have an encrypted password managing program for yourself. If this is not a feasible option, then you can store the sensitive data on a separate hard drive – which is kept separate from other people’s access.
Professionals suggest that auto-fill is never a good option. If somebody else uses your computer, he/she can easily log in to your sensitive accounts. Auto-fill should be used only when one is sure that the computer stays in the house.
2. Online shopping should be safe
Do not give away your credit card number without proper verification of the website. Your personal information should not be permanently stored on any website, because any hacker can hack any website at any time.
If you are fond of online shopping and it requires credit card regularly, then experts suggest keeping a separate credit card just for online shopping purposes. Do not use your Debit Card for this purpose, as Debit card is directly linked with one’s bank account and personal information.
3. Using Social Media
Personal information of a person should never be displayed publically. Carefully read and investigate the security settings of all your social networking websites. Professionals advise that ‘checking in’ to a particular location should particularly never be made public. Thieves might immediately use that information to harm you.
If you do not know a person in ‘real’ life, then avoid adding them. If you allow strangers to see your profile and personal information, they might misuse it and steal your identity.
4. Knowing about Phishing Scams
Sometimes people receive emails asking for verification of a particular information, account detail or password. Make sure you never respond to such scam emails. If the email writer is claiming to be from a professional organization, then the best thing is to use that email and directly ask a representative from that organization about the email.
Many a times, you might also see links to websites on your social media or email. Do not randomly click any such links which appear in front of you. Some links are pretty dangerous, they get your account hacked instantly and start posting harmful stuff by using your account.
Author Bio:
Alicia Gill is the author of this article. She resides in Chicago and works as a Computer Engineer in a private company Assignment Writing Service she is an artist and plays guitar in his spare time.
HEY ! I’m Nil (Founder of OnlineDrifts.com), Digital Marketer, Affiliate Marketer and a blogger writing about blogging tips, SEO, Tech Tips etc.