Protection of mistakes you make at home
You have easy to guess the Wi-Fi password (or none). Although this may seem less hassle to use a simple password or do not use it at all, leaving your unprotected home network invites trouble. Not only can unscrupulous neighbors connect to your Wi-Fi network and pork bandwidth you pay, but criminals can easily hack into an unprotected network and steal your information. Also, beware of connecting to unsecured networks in your area. Legally, you should not do that anyway - it is considered the flight to private use Wi-Fi to someone else. But it is also dangerous because some shady people set up fake networks in hopes people will connect virtually and deposit their data into their laps. Create a password for your Wi-Fi and try to change it on a regular basis. Some people have even set up a separate network for guests for visitors, which helps keep your secure home network for family members.
Your life is documented on social media. The beauty of social media is that it allows us to connect with friends and strangers around the world. Many applications have emerged that allow you to share every little thing you do, whether you eat restaurants or at the places you visit with friends. Sharing is wonderful when it's with friends and family, but if you keep an eye on your privacy settings, you can share all the information someone needs to know to steal your identity or steal your house while you 're on vacation. Get a grip on your security settings, and think before you share.
You throw invoices and other documents directly into the trash. spam is aggravating, but you put yourself at risk when you take these pre-approved credit card offers in the trash directly. Many thieves small-time are not above dumpster diving, and they can use documents that you throw to steal your identity. The best solution is to invest in a shredder with cross cutting capacity and shred all documents that you plan to take. This will ensure peace of mind because it shreds paper into tiny pieces of confetti-like, making it impossible for anyone to rebuild together.
security mistakes you made in the office
Your personal life are not left at the office door. We are all guilty of checking our personal e-mail when we are supposed to work, but if you're not careful, it could cost you more than a reprimand. The workplace should be considered as a sacred space, separate from the house. You might think that there is no check some personal sites or keep your own files on your work computer sore, but a data breach in your office network could result more than what the company retains the stolen file. Moreover, leaving documents with important information lying around your office puts you at risk. Many identity theft is committed by people you know, or who has access to your home or business. Keep personal paperwork in a locked drawer or cabinet or better yet, take it home.
You write passwords down on sticky notes. It can be difficult to remember all the passwords we use every day, especially since it is now recommended that we make them longer and more difficult. Some offices require a mandatory password change every 30-90 days, and it might be tempting to cut corners by entering your new password on a sticky note that you attach to your monitor. However, this is like leaving a key to your house hanging from a chain on your porch. If you have trouble remembering your password, consider safer ways to store it as a application password manager or locked file on your mobile device.
security mistakes you make on the road
You use public Wi-Fi networks. Of course, it is convenient to connect to Wi-Fi at Starbucks or at the airport, and you can certainly save on data charges from your operator in doing so. However, these networks are not guaranteed and that makes them dangerous. Criminals can connect to these networks and use them as a hunting ground for data to steal unsuspecting people around them. If you choose to connect to a public network, take care not to use applications or websites that handle personal data - such as bank or login to check the status of your tax return. Out shopping and really need to check your account balance? Disable Wi-Fi and 3G network using encrypted or 4G mobile device instead; This network is usually safer than one, public Wi-Fi unsecured connection.
private conversations are not private in public. Although it may be tempting to do business or catch up with a friend during your commute or lunch break, these conversations are rarely as private as you might think. Cell phones are so we can communicate with anyone around. It is convenient, but if other people are around you not only potentially disrupt their peace and quiet, but you're also the distribution of anything you say to them. Talking about your weekend plans or providing the receptionist at your doctor's office with personal information such as your social security number, phone, makes you a potential target for criminals nearby. Make sure to exercise discretion in public and go to a private space, like your car, when you need to disclose sensitive information.
Although there is no surefire way to prevent identity theft and other security risks, reducing the amount of simple errors change you make on a daily basis can help to make you less of a target. To learn more about identity protection against theft, follow our blog on the subject.