Identity theft is the worst experience that anyone would wish to encounter. It has harsh consequences and can affect you in so many ways that it may take you time to recover from the experience.
Unfortunately, more and more online users continue to compromise systems and hide behind accounts impersonating another person. This act can damage your credit status, and you may need to spend more time and money to get your good name back. Read on to learn about identity theft.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is when someone impersonates another using their personal and confidential details. The person who steals the information can use it to defraud others. If you notice that another person uses your details without obtaining permission from you, you should report them to the relevant authorities before it is too late.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Create Passwords for Your Devices
Whether it is a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, it is imperative to password-protect all your devices. If you leave them open, anyone can log in when you’re not around or when you misplace your devices. This is an easy way for scammers to log into your accounts and manipulate your data.
To protect your devices, use a firewall, install anti-virus software, back up your computer, log in to your devices with a secure network and avoid using public WIFI.
Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Emails
Your email can be the starting point for all your identity theft-related issues. Many scammers are now sending emails with malicious links to unsuspecting individuals. They will ask you to open the links to get vital information.
If you open those links, you will likely lose your data, and hackers can quickly gain access to your accounts. Therefore, stay alert and avoid clicking unknown links.
If you suspect an email, do not click on it, even if it comes from an organization you know. The scammer might have used the name of an organization to gain your trust and lure you into clicking a malicious link.
Mix Up Your Passwords
Avoid using one password for all your accounts because it can easily expose you to online hackers. Instead, mix up your passwords with letters and numbers. Here are several things you can do to protect your passwords.
- Change your passwords often, especially when you suspect malicious activity.
- Use lower and upper case characters in all your passwords.
- Use two-factor authentication to log into your accounts using a code.
- Do not use your name or phone number as your password.
- Store your passwords in a safe place and avoid giving access to other people.
Since it can be challenging to remember all your passwords, you can use a password manager to store all your passwords safely. You can access the passwords anytime you wish, and you will only need to remember one password for all your accounts.
Be Careful with Phone Calls from Strange Numbers
If you thought that only a few people you shared your phone number with could call you, you are wrong. Scammers are now getting loopholes from various sources to acquire phone numbers without their consent.
Once they get your number, you might receive a call from them purporting to help you. They might ask you for your details to help solve an issue with your bank account or other sensitive platforms.
If you give out your details, they can log into your accounts, change your login details, and scam people. So, avoid receiving calls from people you do not know. It might save you so much in the long run.
Protect Your Business and Customer Data from Identity Theft
Using the above information can help you stay vigilant and avoid compromising situations that can affect the integrity of your business. If you protect your data, you will have peace of mind without worrying about losing information to scammers. Contact us today for more information on fraud mitigation.
