Cyber Security and Identity Theft



Today’s biggest cyber security concern is Identity Theft. Cyber thieves use all kinds of methods (hacking, use of spyware for intercepting information, etc.) in stealing personal or financial information from their victims, mostly from the computers.

The latest of these nefarious activities even sports a name: phishing (pronounced like ‘‘fishing”). The thief sends a simple e-mail that looks like it came from a genuine site (mostly from financial institutions as Citibank, eBay, PayPal, Best Buy and others), telling you there is a problem with your account.

They would then ask you to click on a certain link in the e-mail, and you are taken to a site that looks exactly like that of your bank. Here, they will ask you to fill out again your Social Security or credit card numbers, and/or other confidential numbers.

The following are some ways to minimize the risk of your identity being stolen:

Do business with reputable companies
Some attackers may try to trick you by creating web sites that appear to be legitimate.
Don’t visit any site that is using third party links. Open a new browser and type the address yourself if you want to visit a site.

You can also check privacy policies to see how the company in question use and distribute information. Many companies allow customers to request that their information not be shared with other companies.

Maintain a security mindset – always be skeptical of unfamiliar sites and links, suspicious e-mails and IM messages.

Anti-virus software and firewall
As standard practice, use and maintenance of an anti-virus software and firewall will protect your computer from attacks that may steal or modify data in your computer.
Make sure to keep your anti-virus program and firewall up to date.

Fighting identity robbery
As precautionary steps, regularly check your credit reports for strange transactions or transactions you don’t recall, unusual charges on your bills, bills for products and services you don’t have, or worse, unexpected denial of your credit card.

Once the identity robbery has been confirmed, calls to appropriate companies and agencies have to be done immediately. Have your credit card accounts closed right away so future charges will be denied.

Contact the Social Security Administration if your SSS card number has been accessed or the DMV if your driver’s license or car registration papers were stolen. This is to warn these agencies for possible unauthorized use of your personal ID information. Of course, you need to file a criminal report with the local police.

For U.S. citizens, you need to contact the main credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to see if there had been any unexpected or unauthorized activity. Have fraud alerts placed on your credit reports to prevent new accounts from being opened without verification. File a complaint with the FTC and IFCC.

A website, IdentityTheftActionPlan.com, had been created to help citizens prevent, detect, and respond to identity theft and fraud. Within the site is information on how identity theft occurs, the latest prevention tips, what to do in case you are victimized and pertinent information of law enforcement agencies that investigate these crimes. Two other sites to learn more about phishing and ID theft are the following: consumer.gov/idtheft/ and
idtheftcenter.org

Vigilance, information and action
Cyber security dictates that every cyber citizen (those using computers and the Internet in most of their activities) needs to be vigilant at all times.

Everyone is enjoined to keep up with the latest information, so that they can do the appropriate action by themselves.




Comments

Getting a replica handbag may help very numerous people these times stay on best of merchandise when it arrives in the direction of the merchandise which they usually carry. If you’re unorganized by nature, for instance, very numerous element pockets or methods these times to help with this. However, if you actually locate that you just have a tendency to hold as well a great cope with you, then occasionally it’s very good to prevent Mulberry replica Handbags which could be as well large or element generously-sized pockets.
copy luxury handbags, cartier handbags - By Balenciaga rose gold city replica - Homepage
22nd November 2011 - 1:49am

A highly requested article, we'll teach you how to find a replica Balenciaga Handbags dealer you can actually trust.
Balenciaga handbags, designer Balenciaga handbags, fake Balenciaga - By Balenciaga replica handbags - Homepage
4th February 2012 - 2:08am

Handbags beauty who is used to match clothes and go out to the essential items, each woman handbag collection with these those seasons unknown trivial.
réplique sacs - By réplique sacs - Homepage
13th February 2012 - 8:30pm

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

The Future Of Cyber Security Jobs
Further Equipping Cybersecurity Professionals
Cyber Security
Cyber Security Building A Good Habit
What Is Cyber Security All About?
Facing Computer And Cyber Security Threats
What Is Cybersecurity?
Why Do We Need Cyber Security?
Cyber Security Threats
Family Cyber Security
Unsecured: Cyber Security And Your Data
Cyber Security Training: Tips And Guides
Know The Truth, Exposing Myths In Cyber Security
Cyber Security And Online Shopping
Simple Boosts To Cyber Security
Cyber Security Regulations
Your Browser – Cyber Security’s 1st Line Of Defense
Cyber Security Tips For Your Protection
More Governments Acquire Awareness In Cybersecurity Challenges
Simple Cybersecurity Measures For Individuals
US Intensifies Cybersecurity Initiative
Cyber Security Tips
Cyber Security: Password Protected
Cyber Security For Kids





My Articles


Facing Computer And Cyber Security Threats Who did fall for any cyber security threat? Cyber security crimes are..


What Is Cybersecurity? Every important transaction could be coursed online these days. You could..


Know The Truth, Exposing Myths In Cyber Security We all know the cyber security is important. Having a good password is..


Cyber Security: Password Protected You turn on your computer and you’re prompt with a username and..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
White House's cybersecurity official retiring - Washington Post

    

CBS News

White House's cybersecurity official retiring
Washington Post
The White House's cybersecurity coordinator said Thursday that he is stepping down at the end of this month after a 2 1 / 2 -year tenure in which the administration has increased its focus on cyber issues but struggled to reach agreement with lawmakers ...
White House Replaces Cybersecurity ChiefMashable
Top Cybersecurity Job Is Changing HandsNew York Times
Budget Official Picked for Top Cybersecurity PostABC News

all 119 news articles »



Will Voluntary Cyber Threat Sharing Plan Cast Doubt Over CISPA? - PCWorld

    

The Next Web (blog)

Will Voluntary Cyber Threat Sharing Plan Cast Doubt Over CISPA?
PCWorld
The program, known as the Defense Industrial Base Cyber Security/Information Assurance, or DIB CS/IA, has been in a pilot phase for the past four years with only 37 contractors. The expansion, recently approved by the Obama administration, ...
Analysis of CISPA: Will the government hire Facebook to spy on you?Dixie Press Online
US cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure remain mired in politicsThe Next Web (blog)
US government prepares new attacks on Internet privacyWorld Socialist Web Site

all 9 news articles »