Ways to Protect Yourself from Computer Identity Theft

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Identity theft is considered a huge problem in our society and is now more prevalent than cheque forgery or paper hanging.

Individuals who are new to using the internet are the most likely targets of identity theft as this new online world frequently requires users to valid their details in order to receive certain bits of information.

In an effort to reduce online identity theft, Mungo Money has compiled a short list of tips to prevent you from becoming a victim of ID theft online:

1.Make a disposable email address

Yahoo and hotmail are some of the free accounts where you can make you own disposable email. Both of these are robust email systems in their own right but can also add that extra layer of privacy for your as an email user.

2.Cover up your internet identity

Avoid using your real name (and other information such as your date of birth) when creating usernames on forums, email systems and news groups.

3.Use a unique password

Don’t use easy to discover information for passwords. Try to come up with 2 or 3 different passwords that you can use on a number of online systems. This sounds like it might be hard o remember but by continuing to use 2 or 3 hard to guess passwords you will be protecting yourself in the long term.

4.Use tough passwords

When thinking of a suitable password, replace a letter or two with a number. This can make your password, even if someone overhears your saying it, impossible to crack. E.g. if you wanted to use MungoMoney as a password, replace the o’s with zeros and the e’s with threes. Like so Mung0M0n3y

5.Change your passwords

You must change you passwords at least every 6 months or if you want, you can have it changed every year. If you think your passwords have been exposed, change them for your protection.

Choosing two or three password upfront will allow you to cycle them on a regular basis, helping you to prevent unauthorised access to your online accounts.

6.Make use of a credit card rather than a debit card

Most UK Credit Cards now insure against online fraud, helping you to keep your money safe online.

7. Never open an email inviting you to update your records.

These are known as phishing emails and trick you into entering your secure information into a fraudulent system. Delete them immediately.

Best of luck!