How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Tip! Medical identity theft. Someone steals your identity and either obtains medical insurance in your name or uses your current medical insurance policy to obtain treatment or prescriptions.

Do you use email? Online bill payment? Look at your brokerage account online? Utilize a wireless network at home, work or while traveling? In an effort to protect your personal and financial information, consider the following items.

Get Up-to-Date Anti-Virus Software: Up-to-date anti-virus software protects your computer against current virus threats. Most commercially available virus protection programs offer automatic weekly and emergency downloads of the latest updates. Scan all your files for viruses at least once per month. For the best protection, however, set up your anti-virus software to scan every file you open.

Get Up-to-Date Anti-Spyware Software: Spyware runs on your computer and can gather private information such as passwords and credit card numbers, deliver unwanted advertising, and monitor your browsing patterns. Spyware is typically hidden in an otherwise harmless program, often in freeware or shareware you download. Before downloading any free software, make sure you know and trust the provider. Some Internet Service Providers (”ISP’s”) offer assistance in finding and removing spyware. The maker of your anti-virus software may also offer anti-spyware protection. Make sure you are protected against this growing threat.

Tip! The moment you feel that there has been an identity theft, it is important to report the crime to the police. Provide all the requisite documented evidence.

Use a Personal Firewall: Firewalls serve as protective barriers between your computer and the Internet, preventing unauthorized access to your computer when you’re online. Be sure to set up a firewall around your computer. Some ISP’s offer firewall software to their customers and you can buy firewall software or hardware at your local computer store.

Tip! Ask your financial institutions to add extra identity theft protection to your account.

Install Security Updates Regularly: Most major software companies regularly release updates or patches to their operating systems to repair security problems. Some websites, such as Microsoft and Apple, offer the ability to scan your computer for missing updates. Check your computer for missing updates at least monthly. For the best protection, set up your computer to receive updates automatically whenever possible.

Tip! Maintain services of Identity Theft Protection and Recovery Company. Better safe than sorry.

Protect Your Wireless Home Network: The default configuration of most wireless home networks is not secure. Contact your wireless software vendor for specific information about enabling encryption and strengthening the overall security of your wireless home network.

Exercise Caution with Wireless Hotspots: Taking a few simple precautions when using wireless hotspots can help protect your computer. Wireless technologies are continuously changing. Consult the manufacturer of your network hardware to ensure you have the most up-to-date security technology

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