Online Identity Theft - How to Protect Your Personal Data

Do you also have have friends and family that do not trust online transactions because they are afraid of identity theft and other kinds of online scams. Fact is that we are still much more likely to get our identity stolen offline instead of online.

Notwithstanding this fact, do not let your guard down while engaging in e-commerce or online banking. Internet fraud is very much alive and we should stay aware of that. It is like an arms race, the better we get at defending ourselves against cyber-crime, the more sophisticated their methods at trying to get your personal details.

Prevent ID theft - the very basics

1. Strong passwords containing upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols
2. Use the latest browser, IE7+, Firefox 3.0 +, Opera 9.5 + etc..
3. Run an updated antivirus program or internet security suite
4. Regularly run an antivirus scan
5. Use PayPal, if possible
6. Do not open e-mail attachments if you don't know the sender
7. Use a router
8. Use your head

The newer browsers have a lot of anti-fraud protection in place to help you safeguard your personal credentials and financial information. Using PayPal protects you from having to type in you credit card details online.

Think of a router as a hardware firewall, an extra door or gate between your PC and the Internet. If your PC is plugged in directly into the DSL or cable connection at your house, you are basically exposing your front door to the whole internet. This gives hackers a chance to try to burgle the lock. By using a router, your router is the front gate, meaning those same burglars have to crack 2 locks before they can get in.