TechLife.tv

I wrote an article for my co-workers outlining some tips on how to safeguard against identity theives.  Some of the ideas are self explainitory, some may seem overkill, but it only takes one occurance on one avenue of attack that can lead you into a world of idenity hurt.   Feel free to leave your comments on the suggestions, and post some suggestions of your own!

Internet Safety

Using the internet in an unsafe fashion can greatly increase the risk of your personal identifiable information falling into the wrong hands.  Some tips that can increase your identity’s safety are:

If your computer has been infected with a virus or spyware, don’t use it.
Using infected computers can be very detrimental to your identity’s safety.  It could be recording what’s being typed on the keyboard, or it could be sending your hard drive data elsewhere in the world.  There’s no easy way to tell.
-         The best protection is to prevent being infected.  90%-95% of infections require user action
-         Rule of thumb, ask yourself “Is this notification coming from a trusted source?”  Your web browser and emails are not trusted sources.
-         Cleaning tools may only get rid of parts of the infection.  Some malware can rebuild itself once the computer connected to the internet again.
-         The ONLY way to ensure your computer is 100% safe to use again is to have a computer expert format the hard drive, and reinstall Windows.  Be sure to back up your data.

Use a router.  Avoid plugging into a raw internet connection
Computers that are directly connected to a cable or DSL modem have a greater risk of being compromised.  Viruses and spyware can spread themselves by scanning the internet for computers.  Using a router will prevent this type of scanning from making direct contact with your computer.
-         Viruses from the late 1990’s are still trying to spread themselves by scanning the internet
-         If you must connect directly, ensure you have Windows XP SP2 with the XP firewall turned on before connecting.

Ensure your wireless router is using WPA2 password security
Having an unlocked wireless router allows anyone within a 100ft radius of the router to have access to your home network.  Once on your home network, they have access to the files you share between computers.  Sophisticated hackers can even watch your internet traffic to see the contents of your emails and websites you visit.
-         Do not use WEP password security.  It can be hacked within 30 seconds.  Because of this, using WEP security is just like using an unlocked router.

Banking Safety

Magnetic card readers can be bought online for under $100.  Card writers are less than $1000.  This combined with your PIN number gives thieves the ability to reproduce and use your cards.  Think about where, when, and which card you want to have scanned.

Use ATMs from accredited banking institutions
Generic ATMs have a proven track record of being compromised.  In 2007, a number of generic ATMs in West Edmonton Mall were found to be fraudulent, and were recording bank account info and PIN numbers.
-         If you must use a generic ATM, put in an INCORRECT PIN number first.  This will prove that the ATM is checking with your banking institution before handing out money.  If you find a compromised ATM, report it to police.

Use credit cards with theft detection instead of debit cards
Most banking institutions do not have theft detection or unauthorized purchase protection for their debit cards.  Check with your credit card and debit card providers to see what your liabilities are.  If your credit card company does not hold you liable for any unauthorized purchases, considering always using your credit card as the card you scan.

Change your online banking password regularly
Having a strong password and changing it regularly is essential in protecting your bank account online.  Find out the password criteria for your bank’s website.  Create passwords that look like gibberish as much as the password rules will allow.

Bill Payment & Post Office Mail Safety
How much personal information is available to anyone that takes one piece of mail from your mailbox, such as a bill or credit card statement?

Go green.  Have your bills emailed a secure email account.
Consider having your bills emailed to you rather than delivered to your mailbox.  Print off any information you’d like to keep regarding the bill.  This normally is only the first page.

Record online payment codes, dates and amount paid on bills.
Paying bills online is very convenient, however, this service shouldn’t be completely relied on.  Record the payment code, date and amount paid that your banking institution shows you as proof of your bill payment.  Print the transaction record, or write the information on a paper copy of your bill.
-         If there is ever a dispute, you may be asked to provide this information to your bank and/or the bill issuer as proof of your payment.

Shred the evidence.  Remove yourself from unwanted mailing lists.
Information containing accounting numbers or payment history should be shredded.  Do not throw out previous bills intact.

If you receive unwanted mail from companies you have occasional dealings with, ask to be removed from their mailing list.
-         Watch for companies that mail you prefilled out credit application forms.  You may have a car loan through a company that might mail you credit applications for other products and services, with the information they have on file pre-filled in.

I hope these tips are useful to you to keep your personal information safe.