Name, Rank, and Social Security Number: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the United States. According to the U.S. Secret Service, consumers across the country lose an estimated $745 million annually to identity theft. The Identity Theft Resource Center reports that the average victim spends 607 hours and around $1,000 just to clear their credit records. With the constant evolution of cybercrime, protecting your personal information has never been more crucial.

Identity thieves use various methods to gain access to your personal data. They may steal information from businesses, bribe employees with access to records, hack into systems, or con workers into revealing sensitive details. Once they have your personal information, they can commit fraud or theft in your name, leaving you with a financial mess to clean up.

Warning Signs of Identity Theft

How can you tell if you’ve become a victim of identity theft? Here are some warning signs to look out for:

  • Unexplained charges or withdrawals from your bank accounts.
  • Missing bills or mail (thieves may have submitted a change of address).
  • Denial of credit applications for no apparent reason.
  • Debt collectors contacting you for services or purchases you didn’t authorize.

Your computer is one of the richest sources of personal information for identity thieves. To protect yourself from identity theft online, you need to take proactive steps to secure your digital footprint.

Steps to Protect Your Personal Information

Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your computer from identity theft:

  1. Update your antivirus software regularly.
    Ensure that your antivirus software is set to update automatically to protect against the latest threats. Norton 360 is an excellent option, offering real-time protection from malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts. It also includes a secure VPN, password manager, and dark web monitoring to alert you if your personal information has been compromised.
  2. Avoid opening suspicious files or clicking on unknown hyperlinks.
    Don’t download programs from unfamiliar companies or individuals. Thieves often use these methods to deliver malware that can steal your data.
  3. Use a firewall program.
    If you have a high-speed internet connection like cable or DSL, your computer is connected to the internet 24/7, making it a prime target for hackers. A firewall can help block unauthorized access to your system.
  4. Ensure you’re using secure websites for transactions.
    Always look for a lock icon in the browser’s status bar or ensure the website URL begins with “https” before entering any personal or financial information. This ensures an additional layer of security during your transactions.
  5. Be cautious with financial data on laptops.
    Avoid storing sensitive financial information on your laptop unless absolutely necessary. If you do store sensitive data, use encryption to protect it.
  6. Wipe your hard drive before disposing of your computer.
    If you’re getting rid of an old computer, use a reliable wipe utility program to erase all personal information from the hard drive. Simply deleting files won’t do the trick—wiping the drive ensures the data is irretrievable.
  7. Monitor your credit and personal information.
    LifeLock, now a part of Norton, is an identity theft protection service that continuously monitors your personal data for signs of fraudulent activity. LifeLock offers alerts for suspicious activity and provides up to $1 million in coverage for stolen funds. Combining LifeLock’s monitoring capabilities with Norton 360’s comprehensive protection can give you peace of mind.
  8. Check with anti-fraud organizations.
    Services like CardCops can help you determine if your credit card numbers have been stolen. They monitor online chat rooms where stolen credit card numbers are traded and share this information with law enforcement. By entering your card details into their database, you can find out if your information has been compromised.

You Can’t Control Everything, But You Can Minimize the Risk

While you can’t completely prevent identity theft, you can significantly reduce your risk by being diligent about protecting your personal information. Secure your computer, monitor your accounts, and take advantage of trusted services like LifeLock and Norton 360 to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

As former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder once said, “The theft of personal information is one of the most rapidly growing crimes in America.” This quote emphasizes the urgency of protecting your identity. With the right tools and vigilance, you can defend against these growing threats.

Identity theft is a serious threat, but you can protect yourself by securing your personal data and staying informed. Combining services like LifeLock and Norton 360 can provide comprehensive protection, helping you safeguard your identity and financial information.

Want to protect yourself from identity theft? Start securing your personal data today with LifeLock and Norton 360. Contact Wilson Alvarez for expert advice on setting up the best tools to protect your identity and online security.