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Identity Theft: How to Avoid it and Keep Your Information Safe

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Between workplace and personal use, a majority of our lives are spent online. However, in the midst of our increasingly technological society, identity theft is quickly becoming a growing trend. Since we spend so much of our time on the internet every day, it is extremely important to understand how to keep personal information safe.

If you have experienced digital identity theft or know someone who has, you may already be aware of how challenging the experience can be. Using your personal information, identity thieves can impersonate you and make purchases, open accounts in your name, and in some cases, resort to even more serious crimes. Identity theft can result in harm to your finances and damage your overall reputation.  

Fortunately, there are ways that you can reduce your risk of identity theft. Read below to discover our defensive tips and strategies that can help you have safer online experiences. 

Five Ways to Prevent Identity Theft Online

  1. Safeguard Personal Information: When engaging in online activities, one of the most important things to remember is to avoid volunteering your personal information. Under no circumstance should you give out your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or bank account numbers online. If you are making online purchases, you can identify if a site is secure by referencing the web address. Legitimate sites will contain the prefix “https” and feature a padlock icon. In some cases you can provide personal information only if you have initiated the contact and you have absolute trust with whom you are dealing.
  2. Monitor Your Social Circle: Protect yourself from identity theft by making sure you know each of your online friends personally. Be careful about who you allow into your digital social circle and avoid accepting requests from people you are unfamiliar with. Cyber criminals often use fake profiles to infiltrate online communities and build credibility through connections to take over your account.
  3. Use Strong Passwords: Having multiple accounts means more opportunities for hackers to steal your identity. Protect your online accounts with strong passwords. Do not write these down or share them with anyone. A strong password includes a combination of upper and lower case letters, including numbers and symbols. In addition, be sure to use a different password for each account.
  4. Learn How to Identify Spam: Phishing emails are one of the most effective ways for identity thieves to retrieve your personal information. These emails are designed to look like they have come from a legitimate source and may ask you to click on a link to verify transactions or confirm your personal details. Before clicking on the link enclosed, look carefully for unfamiliar email or site URLs or indications of poor spelling and grammar, as these are often tell-tale signs of a phishing email.
  5. Update Your Security Software: Ensure that all your internet devices feature up-to-date security software. If you have not done so already, we recommend that you install both anti-virus and anti-malware software. Installing a firewall can prevent outsiders from accessing your data and is an effective solution for keeping your identity safe.

Protect Your Business and Identity with GlassHouse Systems

Take the necessary precautions to protect your online identity. By implementing a few simple safety steps into your daily routine, you can successfully monitor and defend your presence on the internet. Furthermore, reduce your risk of identity theft and a number of other cybersecurity breaches with world-class security solutions from GlassHouse Systems. Led by a team of seasoned industry veterans, we provide effective products and services that are designed to build, deploy, and manage highly advanced IT infrastructures. At GHS, we are committed to the goal of meeting all your cybersecurity needs and more.

Contact us or leave a comment below to learn more about how you can keep your identity safe online with our award-winning managed security services.  

For Canada and worldwide, contact our main Canadian offices:

  • +1 (416) 229-2950
  • +1 (416) 229-9096

By email: canada@ghsystems.com

For all US-based enquiries, please contact our main US offices at:

  • +1 (630) 724-8500
  • +1 (630) 724-8509

By email: us@ghsystems.com

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