Consumers urged to protect online identity
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Three crucial points for protecting oneself from online identity theft have been identified by Identity Theft Daily website.
Users are urged to mind their computers, check their credit reports regularly and carry out fraud alerts.
Anti virus protection should be installed on a computer, especially if the user regularly does their banking online.
It may be possible that unsecured operations or an unencrypted wireless connection can allow thieves to access personal information.
The website also advises checking a credit report four times a year and to verify any inaccuracies.
It notes that online credit monitoring services such as Credit Expert can be downloaded for use.
Finally, anybody can have a fraud alert or credit freeze added to their credit file to ensure any potential creditors to take extra security measures before offering credit.
A new study by Consumer Reports recently found that computer viruses, phishing scams and spyware have cost the US economy $8.5 billion over the past two years.
More than 500,000 computers had to be replaced in the past six months after being infected with malware, though the report also found anti virus protection and web filtering systems are also helpful.
Related News:
Password security a tall order for many web users - 1.22.2010
A recently released study from tech researcher Imperva showed that the most popular password among users whose accounts were compromised in the recent RockYou data breach was as follows: 123456.
Facebook fixes "wrong friends list" mobile network security glitch - 1.22.2010
CNET reports that social media network Facebook has repaired a problem in the mobile version of its service that caused some mobile users to have full access to the friends lists of unassociated users.
Automated phishing scam hits bank customers - 1.14.2010
Phishing attacks do not target victims exclusively via email, experts say, pointing to a recent rash of automated phone calls that attempted to convince victims to give up sensitive banking information.
Scammers ride aftershocks of Haiti catastrophe - 1.14.2010
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning to those who want to contribute to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, saying that cyber criminals and other types of scam artists are trying to take advantage of an outpouring of humanitarian support.
Banking Trojans finding new vector with fake Outlook alerts - 1.11.2010
A spurious alert purporting to come from Microsoft Outlook has cropped up in recent weeks, according to a maker of email filtering software.
|
