10 Tips to Protect Your Identity and Personal Information

privacy

Every time you go onto the Internet and browsing, there are numerous threats and dangers against your personal information and identity. From emailing to online shopping to Instant Messaging, all of these behaviors will leave you vulnerable unless you take the correct precautions.

Below are 10 tips to help keep your personal information and identity safe.

1. Only use computers that you know are secure. While you may know your own personal computer is secure, remember if you borrow a friend's computer for convenience one day, they might not have the same security precautions put in place.
2. Install and use a good, reputable anti-virus program. Ensure that it is downloading the latest virus definitions and is scanning your computer at least weekly.
3. Take care when registering to websites. Use a strong password (one that contains capitals, numbers or special characters) and don't use the same user name and password for all of your sites.
4. Always use protected Wi-Fi connections. While places like Starbucks offer free Wi-Fi, it's on an unsafe public network. The easiest way to protect yourself is to connect only to secure networks: they usually have a lock symbol next to them, and may mention WPA or WEP encryption. Make certain as well that your own Wi-Fi network is also secured.
5. Be careful when you email. Watch out for phishing scams - this is where hackers sent fake emails that look real asking for your personal information. They might be disguised as your financial institution. Never click on any links inside any suspicious emails.
6. Never type personal information while Instant Messaging. This form of communication is a big target for hackers. Take some security measures in your IM application, such as turning off logging, so a record is not kept of your conversations. You can also purchase some very easy to use encryption programs that will encrypt your communications. Skype has encryption built in and is a simple solution.
7. Do not install unwanted programs. Many applications will bundle additional software in with their program. When installing software, be aware of any other program names that are selected to be installed and uncheck them.
8. Monitor your credit reports on a regular basis. At least once a year, check your credit history and review for any suspicious entries or inquiries on your credit.
9. Keep an eye on what your children are doing online as well. Install and use parental control software or a service through your Internet Provider to help monitor and block their Internet browsinging.
10. Always keep a good backup of your data. You can copy your files, pictures, or music to external hard drive so you can restore this data in case of any emergency.