Sep 11
8
Protecting Information – Get In the Know
There are five common methods that identity thieves use to steal personal information. Understanding them is the first stop in preventing your identity from being stolen.
Dumpster Diving: Thieves literally go through trash cans and dumpsters looking for anything with personal information on it. These include bills, memos, statements, credit card offers, etc.
Skimming: Thieves use a small electronic device that records your credit/debit card number when it is processed.
Phishing: Thieves try to get your personal information by pretending to be companies that may already have it. They use emails and pop-up messages to lure you in.
Changing Your Address: Thieves use change of address forms to send your mail to a new location of their choosing.
“Old-Fashioned” Stealing: Thieves steal wallets and purses, mail, employee records, etc. They get these by lifting them or bribing people with access.
Business Prevention
Have a good data security plan:
• Take stock in what personal information you have stored in files and on computers.
• Scale down by keeping only what you need to conduct business.
• Lock it physically and electronically.
• Shred what you no longer need.
• Plan ahead with how you will respond to security incidents.
Personal Prevention
Safeguard your information:
• Shred paperwork with personal information before you discard it.
• Protect your Social Security Number. Do not carry your Social Security card. Give it out only if absolutely necessary – never write it on a check.
• Do not give out personal information before you know who you are dealing with.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails. Type in web addresses. Use and keep your firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software up-to-date.
• Use passwords that are at least 8 characters long, have upper and lowercase letters, and include symbols and numbers. (Example: Pa$$w0rd, note: do not use this password)
• Lock your personal information in a secure place, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work don on your house.
