It’s easy to get carried away on the computer and forget the privacy and security concerns we all should have. Sure, we’ve all heard about identity theft but unless you are personally victimized or know someone who has been then perhaps you don’t take it all that seriously. This would be a mistake you will regret if you aren’t properly covering your online trail. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind to reduce your internet footprint.
1.) Protect Your Social Security Number- Many of us know to watch out for phishing scams and similar sites but we tend to let our guard down from time to time as we surf. For instance, people will sign up for free offers which of course requires your name and address to get the product delivered. By you must ask yourself why they need your social security number in order to send you free samples. There are certain instances where your social security may be necessary to give if it’s a loan application, employment enrollment form, or state documents that require the information. Keep your guard up however and only submit your social to trusted sites.
2.) Change Your Passwords- Many people have had their e-mail accounts hacked into recently because hackers have caught on to certain tricks. For example, Gmail will ask you a series of questions if you forget your password. The answers to questions like “what street did you grow up on” or “what was your first pets name?” can be obtained by hacker by checking your Facebook page and other sites where you have answered these questions. Plus, if you have been using the same password for the last ten years, it may not be that difficult at all for a hacker to access your most private information.