Identity Theft - 10 Simple Ways to Protect Your Good Name!
by Titus Hoskins

Identity Theft is one of the most serious problems facing Internet users.
Identity Theft is exactly as the name states - someone steals your
Identity and commits fraud in your name. It can result in untold
financial and legal problems that may literally ruin your peace
of mind and/or your life. Someone gaining control of your most
personal details can reck havoc and result in dire consequences
for you and your family.

So you must do everything in your power to prevent Identity Theft.
Actually, if you follow some simple common sense procedures - you
can reduce your risk significantly. Follow these simple steps and you
may prevent yourself from becoming a victim of Identity Theft.

Please keep in mind, any computer connected to the Internet
can be hacked! The only way to be 100% safe from Identity Theft
is to not use a computer or the Internet. Even then, many banking
institutions and government agencies may have your vital information
in their hands and possibly online - so no one is really safe!

Despite this grime prospect, there are many things you can personally
do to protect yourself from Identity Theft. Simple safeguards that can
stop would-be thieves in their tracks and make it difficult for anyone
to misuse your well earned good name and reputation.

Try these relatively simple steps:

1. If you do a lot of surfing on the web - set your own security standards!
Most browsers will let you set the security level of your connections. If
youre using Internet Explorer, click on Tools in the task bar, go to Internet
Options and set your level of security. Try to set this to as high a standard
as you can.

2. Place a firewall on your computer or network. A firewall is a system or
gateway that prevents unauthorized access to your computer or private network.
It is usually the first line of defense in protecting your private information
or data. A good firewall will help protect you from malicious attacks of spyware,
adware, malware, worms, trojans, and hackers. There is no reason not to have a
firewall in place, you can download a free firewall from www.zonealarm.com for
your personal use.

3. Get a good anti-virus software program that will help protect your computer
against spyware, adware, malware and so on. Purchasing such a program that is
updated regularly will save you money in the long run and will add an extra layer
of protection for your PC.

4. Dont store your vital information (credit card numbers, family information,
passwords, etc.) on your personal computer, instead store it on CDs or floppy
disks or on a computer that is not connected to the Internet.

5. If you use passwords, make sure they are hard-to-guess passwords. You
should have passwords that are at least eight characters long - consisting of
a mixture of numbers, upper case and lower case letters. Many security
experts suggest changing your passwords regularly.

6. Never open emails from people you dont know. Especially, dont open
any attachments until they are properly scanned for viruses and spyware.

7. Be aware of phishing - this is where you get an official looking (though fake)
email from companies that you may be doing business with - never use a link in
these emails to provide personal information. Always open a new browser
window and type in your own links you have for these companies or sites.
Most secure connections will start with https://

8. Regularly check your operating system and download any updates that may
contain security patches and fixes for your PC.

9. Use an encryption service if you can. This will also help in protecting
your vital data from prying eyes.

10. Always shut down your computer when its not in use - especially if you
have a cable Internet connection. And make sure you know who is using your computer.
Keep track of family members or friends who have access to your computer.

No doubt there are many more ways to protect yourself against Identity
Theft but following and implementing the above steps will give you added
protection and peace of mind. In the same light, dont let your guard down
-- always be aware of your surfing habits and the information or programs
on your computer. Keep a close eye on your PC; any slow down or unorthodox
operations should be checked out immediately. Scan your machine regularly,
and check out any unauthorized attempts to access your computer. Keep your
machine clean.

Believe it or not, a little common sense will go a long way in stopping
Identity Theft and keeping your good name safe!

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