In today's fast paced world we have a tendency to take the short route-easiest, cheapest, and quickest way-for everything now that we have technology that continues to improve on a hour basis to back us up. It helps to increase our efficiency in our day-to-day lives, but we sometimes forget there maybe consequences to us living in such a fast paced lifestyle.
Here are some simple tips to help keep your information safe from getting placed into the wrong hands.
- Learn to resist the temptation to have automatic log-ins on your phones, tablets, and computers. Yes it may save you the trouble of having to remember 20+ account usernames and passwords for various websites, as well as the time it takes to input your log-in information. However, is that minuscule amount of time really worth the chance of getting your identity stolen which can take years to correct all the damage done to your records (credit score, negative bank accounts, possibly your reputation, etc.), or worse case; you never get it corrected and have to live with the debt and other unfortunate consequences?
- Always read the privacy policy! I do not mean skimming through or just scrolling to the bottom and selecting accepts terms and conditions. You could be agreeing to allow a website holder to use your information, all and any that they may collect, for their own interests without even knowing you did so because you didn't read a few pages of small print.
- Another good tip mentioned in a previous posts, Protecting Your Bank Accounts, do not write your password and username down, because papers can be easily lost and fall into the wrong hands. Try to use things that are easy to remember for you, but not obvious to others. It is best to have longer passwords that contain a combination of, both upper and lower cases letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Good password example(s): A random combination of your favorite things, such as, Softball!1983. Try to use a phrase and substitute some of he words with letters and numbers. For example, To Cool For You! can be changed into 2cool4U! (Consumer Information 1).
- Bad password examples: Your name(including well-known nickname), address, birth date, etc.
- Manage your cookies. Look for the up-coming post to find out what cookies are, and how to control them.
- Don't willingly distribute your contact information to just anyone, or any website without doing some research on who will be getting it and what they will be doing with it. Especially be careful with contest and receiving free items just by giving your contact information.
Keep personal information on social networking sites at a minimum. If possible don't post your full name, address, phone numbers, social security number, etc. The more information someone can gather about you the easier it is for them to steal your identity. Also, possibly giving them the information they need to allow them the to access security questions to your account, and access your bank and personal information.
What I have bulleted above are just some suggestions I have came across, or thought of. They are tips meant to help save you some time maybe not in the short run, but most certainly in the long term. Please do not think you need to refrain from using the Internet all together for personal activities. This was just simply for your information only; however, I do hope after reading this you will think twice before acting in online activities and take some of the suggestions listed above into consideration. I know we all are guilty of at least one of these if not all. Although you might not think it can happen to you, you are wrong because unfortunately it can and has happened to many people.
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0272-how-keep-your-personal-information-secure#online
http://mashable.com/2012/10/29/stop-online-tracking/
This issue in particular always worries me, especially working in a place where a lot of identity theft is reported in a daily basis. How can we access certain websites that request for you to click on the "Agree" option if you disagree?. I get a lot of this questions but unfortunately is one that I can never answer because you can not. I would say that with all the personal information that has being reported stolen from this big companies in the last five years you can never be too careful. I would say thought that if you have a lot of user names and passwords make sure you have them written down in a place that YOU would only know because you never know when you will forget a password or confuse it with a different one.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine having to answer that question a lot! From a companies view point I am sure it is , " if you do not agree you certainly do not have to click agree, but you may not use our website or company. You may go somewhere else." But then of course that opens a whole new bucket of worms, I feel like it is a topic that is never cut and dry.
ReplyDeleteI think these tips are an excellent way to protect your information. I get so annoyed when every website you log on to automatically checks the "keep me signed in" or "remember my password." Even if it is my personal computer I do not choose either of these two options. I also do not put any of my really personal information on Facebook or other social media sites. I never put my phone number, because there are many people on my Facebook I would not want to have my number. I also know that it is a good idea to keep different passwords for different accounts. This becomes a big problem for me because I forget what password I use for what account and end up getting locked out of my bank account or eBay account. I think these tips are really helpful thought and will make sure to keep them in mind. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Even if I am on my personal computer, I do not want my personal information saved automatically. I have family and friends over that may use the same computer.
DeleteTeam 6B
A lot of great information on here! Another good thing to not do on your social networking sites is announce to everyone where you are going, especially if you are going out of town. So many people fall into this trap not thinking that their "online friends" won't take advantage of their empty house or apartment. This is another reason why you should only accept requests from people who you TRUELY know and trust. People are really, really shady these days.
ReplyDeleteAlso, just like how you posted the tip about your online passwords, your email addresses should be just as random. I read an article once that it is better to have an email address or login information that is not related to your name, address, DOB, etc. Adding numbers and symbols are the best idea.