You can reduce your vulnerability to identity fraud by practicing safe computing – at home, at work, on the road, and at wi-fi hotspots. This Quick Start guide lists the most important safeguards.
On any computer that connects to the Internet: Install comprehensive Internet protection. Identity thieves are increasingly using malicious software, such as viruses and spyware, to steal private data. You need protection against viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, and worms, a firewall to prevent your PC from sending data without your knowledge, and some form of “live updating” to assure that your protection stays current against constantly evolving threats.
On any Windows computer: Make sure you have the latest security patches for your Windows operating system and for your web browser. For Windows XP, under the “Start” menu go to All programs > Accessories > System Tools > Security Center. In the “Resources” box, click “Check for the latest updates from Windows Update.”
Don’t use public computers – such as those found at a hotel or airport – for any kind of access where security is important – such as your online banking, brokerage, or credit card accounts. Public computers can easily be infected with keylogging programs and other vulnerabilities. Remember that even gaming passwords are a valuable and oft-stolen commodity.
For your laptop: Your laptop faces the added security challenge of connecting to the Internet from a variety of locations, and of potentially being lost or stolen. In addition to up-to-date security software, you should password-protect access to the machine, and encrypt any sensitive data.
Set up the firewall on your laptop to allow connections that you regularly use – for example, to your Internet service provider. But when you connect to a public network in less-secure places, such as a public wi-fi hotspot, disallow all exceptions except the ones you actually need to use.
Create hard-to-crack passwords for online banking or other financial services, gaming, auctions, and payment systems, and don’t keep passwords accessible on your computer. If you work in an office, or if other people have access to your workspace, don’t leave passwords written down anywhere nearby. Never give your password or other account information in response to a “phishing” email, instant message, Internet pop-up, or phone call.
On your wireless home network: Password-protect your router and individual machines. Don’t settle for the default password that your router comes with, create a unique strong password.
Set your wireless network to encrypt. Older home wireless networks employ a technology known as Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) which offers limited protection for private data. The newer Wi-Fi Protected Access is a better choice.
When you buy a used/refurbished computer, if the original operating system disks are included it’s a good idea to wipe the hard disk clean and start fresh by reinstalling the software. If the system is running an older operating system, consider upgrading to Windows XP, which offers greatly enhanced security features. If the system is running Windows XP, make sure you’ve installed the latest security patches.
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Protect your physical data. Most identity fraud still results from physical theft of data. Secure your mailbox, and shred documents like bank statements and credit card bills before you throw them away. Report lost or stolen identity documents immediately. Carefully examine your monthly bank and credit card statements, check your credit report annually and report any suspect activity immediately. Prompt reporting minimizes the potential loss, reduces the amount of time you’ll spend correcting the problem, and increases the chance that you’ll be fully reimbursed for any loss incurred.
