Identity Theft – More Than Just Stealing Your Name

We´re all aware that there are a multitude of harmful things that could happen to anybody on the Internet. Most of the damages that one could sustain in the virtual world can actually affect him in the real world, and I´m not just talking about spending top dollars for hardware or software replacement.

Identity theft is probably, if not the most, horrible consequence of unprotected Web surfing. This type of crime involves the unauthorized gathering and use of sensitive personal information, usually for financial gains. The data that identity thieves usually steal range from names and addresses to social security and bank account numbers. The information mentioned above may seem inconsequential. However, take note that those data are the ones also asked or used to facilitate transactions on the Internet. Hence, it can really cost you a lot.

Fishing for Information

There are many ways by which persons with ill intentions can acquire all the data about you that they could use to facilitate an online sale. The most common method by which they do this is by sending you phishing e-mails. The electronic correspondence seems to be legitimate as it usually disguises itself as something that comes from a company or person that you usually transact with. The victim is usually directed to log on to a site by providing his username and password. Needless to say, the details given by the person will be recorded and used later on for unauthorized purposes.

Agents of Doom

Many are of the opinion Trojans and other spyware simply destroy computer and nothing more. This is not exactly true. Malware are also used to acquire information that are usually keyed in or stored in the computer, such as usernames, passwords, and bank account details. They do this by exploiting security flaws in the operating system. Spyware, especially keyloggers, can record all details that are entered into the system and then send it to the one who caused the malware infection.

The Magic Words

Make it a point to regularly change your password. People with malicious intentions will try to device a way on how to guess, decode, or obtain it. Make the undertaking difficult for them by coming up with an unusual password, preferably one which is alphanumeric. Don´t use one password for all your online accounts, too. It has been found out that 61% of computer owners use only one password for e-mail, online banking, social sites, and other Web sites or services that require a username and password. This means that a hacker will virtually have a master key once he obtains the magic words that you use for everything that you do on the Internet.

Use Protection

There are many ways by which you could protect yourself from identity theft on the Internet. Here are some of them:

• Do not open attachments from unknown sources
  
  E-mail attachments coming from dubious or unknown addresses often contain malware. If you´re bent on checking it, make sure to have your antivirus or anti-spyware program scan it first


• Install the necessary security suites
  
  Connecting to the Internet without an antivirus, anti-spyare, or other malware deterrents is like offering yourself to rabid dogs without anti-rabies vaccination. Your computer will surely contract electronic diseases which could ruin it or use it for nefarious purposes, such as identity theft. Hence, it is important to build a strong wall around your PC.


• Update your PC´s guardians
  
  Having a security suite installed in your system is not enough. If your antivirus is not updated, then it´s virtually defanged. Viruses and other forms of malware are being released on the Internet on a daily basis. It is therefore important that you´re security programs are well aware of their new enemies.

Of course, nothing beats out good old common sense. Always be careful whenever you´re online. Don´t venture into sites or entertain offers which you´re not sure of.

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