If your personal information falls into the wrong hands, it can be used to steal your identity. Anything that has your personal details can be used to steal your identity.
Here are some tips to reduce the risk of identity theft.
- Always use strong passwords. The longer and complicated they are the harder it is for them to be worked out. Some websites now allow you to use passphrases which improves the security.
- Paper based bank and credit card statements will have a lot of personal information on them. Don’t just put them in a recycling bin, shred or destroy them in a way they cant be read by anyone. Some recycling companies have been known to send paper off to be recycled outside Australia where there is no control over who has access to the information printed on the paper. Many hacking organisations are able to access the non destroyed paper and use the information to steal your identity.
- Remove all your personal information before selling or throwing away a computer, mobile phone or other digital device. Don’t just delete files or format your computer disk. Use disk wiper software to destroy all information on your PC and use the wipe all data function that most smart phones have before selling your phone.
- Avoid using public computers. Your login information (to what ever you are logging into) may be stored in the computers browser and hackers can gain access to the computer and break into your account and use any information there to help steal your identity.
- Don’t post personal information on social media. While it’s lovely to celebrate your birthday, scammers are so glad you have told them your date of birth, where you live, your mother’s maiden name, and the fact you are away on holiday where you can’t monitor you personal information easily. Also don’t enter quizzes or any remember when posts that can harvest your personal information.
- Monitor your bank accounts. Keep up to date with all transactions. There may be one that indicates a hacker or scammer has managed to use you personal information to access your credit card or your bank details.
- When using your Credit or Debit card beware who is standing next to you. If you need to enter your PIN cover the machine so no one can see.
- Never give out personal information or financial information over the phone unless you are the one who initiated to contact and you know who the caller is.
- Have high quality anti virus protection on your computer and even on your phone. This will help stop hackers from installing a virus or advise if the web link you clicked on is safe.
