Identity Theft Loss Prevention
Identity theft happens when the personal records of companies or/and individuals are intercepted by someone who does not have legal authority to access the records. Discovering that someone is using your credit cards and bank accounts to purchase items like clothes, jewelry, autos or even houses can come as a shock and leave you with a sick feeling. Yet there are steps you can take to prevent identity theft loss. Some of the steps cost nothing; others require that you pay regular monthly fees.
Other People Are Reading
-
Computer Security
-
If you have ever allowed a computer technician to access your computer remotely while you were at work or home to repair a glitch, you know how easy it is to gain access to your desktop or laptop computer. Software packages that protect your computer against spyware, viruses and malware help to prevent loss of personal data. Some software packages allow you to encrypt, quarantine or scrub personal data like Social Security numbers, birth dates and passport numbers so that the data are unreadable should someone hack into your computer.
Data Sharing
-
Only share your personal information, such as driver's license number, with people who need the information to perform their job. If you are concerned about giving personal data to someone, regardless of where he works, ask to speak with his supervisor. Never leave credit or debit cards lying out in public areas. Lock up your wallet or purse before you leave your work area, or take them with you. When working on computers, use a security screen so that passersby cannot read data on your computer screen. Use your hand to cover number panels on debit/credit card machines in stores when you check out, so cashiers and people standing in line cannot make out your pin number.
-
Password Protection
-
Put passwords on documents that have private data recorded on them. Change your computer, Internet and document passwords regularly, at least once every three months. If you work in a company technology department, consider coding computers so they require employees to change their password once a month to continue to access the system. Use a combination of letters and numbers to create complicated passwords that are not easy to figure out. Never give out your passwords, not even to relatives, friends or colleagues.
Secure Equipment
-
Store personal records, especially documents that have identification numbers, such as Social Security numbers, listed on them, in secure areas. For example, you can lock employment applications, checkbooks or work papers in safes or security chests. Consider purchasing filing cabinets that lock to store business records. Avoid leaving keys to secure equipment lying in public areas. Never give out combination numbers to safes. Shred documents that you no longer need.
-
References
- Photo Credit credit card and pen image by PaulPaladin from Fotolia.com
