Protecting your identity is important, especially in a digital age. There are many ways in which you need to ensure that you are protecting your identity. The most common ways that thieves might access your personal information include credit card fraud, personal identification theft, email scams and unsecured wireless networks. You should do your research when it comes to finding the right identity theft protection, including weighing the costs and benefits of each service. Keep reading to find out more about how to protect your identity and choose the right identity theft protection.
Identity Theft Prevention Tips
There are many ways that you can help to protect yourself against the threat of identity theft. Some of the easiest ways protect yourself include:
- Create Strong Passwords
- Many people use passwords that are easy for them to remember- like their dog’s name, birthdate or maiden name. These passwords are not only easy to remember, but they are also easy to crack. You should equip yourself with strong passwords that contain a mix of capital letters, numbers and symbols. You should also change your passwords on a frequent basis.
- Share Wisely
- There are many social media platforms that allow you to easily share photos and stories with your friends, but be careful about how much and what you share. You should make sure that you do not post your personal information online because you really have no idea who is viewing it. Some of the information that you should be sure to avoid sharing online includes your phone number, address and social security number.
- Protect Your Mobile Device
- Make sure that you equip your mobile device with a strong password to keep your pictures, communication and personal information safe. You should only download apps from reputable companies to ensure that they are not hackers looking to steal your information.
- Secure Personal Documents
- Storing your personal and financial documents on your computer is common place these days, but it is very important to make sure that you do so securely. You should install a firewall using anti-virus and anti-spyware software. You should also secure your wireless network and ensue that your browser has been updated.
- Stay Alert
- When you receive emails you should check that they are from a trusted sender. If the email or link seems odd you shouldn’t click on them. These are known as phishing scams, which are only out there to get your personal information. Reputable and trusted senders will not ask for your personal information without having a trusted firewall in place.
- Monitor Your Information
- You should monitor your financials including credit cards and banking information to check for any transactions that you did not make or any other suspicious activity. By creating regular monitoring habits you will be able to catch any illicit transactions.
Top Identity Theft Protection Services
When you are shopping for identity theft protection services you may become overwhelmed by the amount of choice available. You will want to compare the features, benefits and costs of each service to determine which one meets your personal needs the best. To narrow down your choices some of the most trusted identity theft protection services include:
- Lifelock
- TrustedID
- ProtectMyId
- IdentityForce
- ID Watchdog
- IDShield
It is very important to take preventative steps to help protect your identity. Following the tips listed above including creating strong passwords, routinely monitoring your personal information, and being smart about what you share can help you to keep your identity protected.