When Your Online Identity Becomes Compromised

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At Privacy Council, we discuss a lot about preventing identity theft and protecting online privacy, but what happens if your personal information has already been compromised? Whether accidentally or on purpose, it’s not hard for your online privacy to be stolen or tampered with if you haven’t been taking the necessary precautions.

With the access to information online, there are many instances where information gets into the wrong hands or hacks are performed on the systems of large companies. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your information will be used against you, but it does mean your identity is compromised.

Here’s what to do if your online privacy has been invaded:

1. Close accounts and credit cards that are compromised. Or, talk to your institution and discuss how you should handle an account that may become compromised. As a precaution, most institutions will have their customers change their password and monitor the account for fraud.

2. Change passwords on online programs such as email or bank accounts. Avoid using the same sequence of numbers, the last four digits of your SSN or your mother’s maiden name. Be creative and switch up the passwords. Also change them on a regular basis.

3. Place a fraud alert on your credit card report. This will last for 90 days. Also be sure to monitor your reports for any non-authorized transactions.

4. Notify friends and family not to open any emails from you that look strange. If a hacker has gotten into your personal information, spam emails may be sent to everyone in your online address book.

5. If necessary, file a report with the police. This is a necessary step in fighting for your rights, as identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes and one that you should be protected against.

Image c/o: christianpf.com

15 ways to protect your identity

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Image by Vincent Bithell

What is the one thing you fear the most as a human being?  Maybe a car crash? Losing a loved one?  How about identity theft?  Let me tell you it is a terrible thing when someone gets a hold of your private information.  You feel violated and most definitely not safe.  I was a victim for a very short time of a small situation so I can’t imagine having my identity completely stolen like so many Americans deal with every day.

Upon researching ways to better protect my identity and the identities of my family  I found 15 ways to protect your identity on a site called bank rate.  Get out a pen and paper to take notes.  I think this information is important for everyone.

15 ways to protect yourself against identity theft

1. Don’t allow anyone to stand by you too closely while at an ATM machine.  Gawkers can watch you punch in your PIN and have it memorized in seconds.

2.  Don’t throw away receipts with credit card information, even if the full number isn’t printed.  It is best to put it in a safe box or fire box until the bill arrives.

3.  Shred all important documents if not needed anymore.  Documents like medical statements, financial statements etc., should be shredded ASAP.  Throwing them as is in the garbage is a free for all for identity thieves.

4. Make sure you write clearly on all credit forms and applications.  Be sure to address it the same way each time.

5. Monitor your credit cards carefully daily.  Keeping your eyes and ears on any strange purchases is beneficial.  As soon as you see any strange activity don’t just cut up your card, close it immediately.

6. Limit how many credit cards you have.  It is highly suggested to only have one or two good credit cards to your name, this way you can keep track of everything easier than you would with multiple credit cards.

7. Check for information on your credit reports each time you receive them.  Be aware of any information that does not belong to you.  Also, be on the look out for errors as credit bureaus do tend to make mistakes.

8. Do not put paid bills in your mailbox.  This is easy and instant access for identity thieves.  Take a trip to the mail box or post office to submit the bills securely.

9. Make sure you update and communicate with credit card companies if you are moving just to stay up to date on address changes etc.

10. Always protect your Social Security Number.  Only give it when you absolutely have to.

11. NEVER carry your Social Security Number and your Driver’s License together in your wallet.

12. Do not give personal information such as your SSN to telemarketers, etc.

13. When shopping online, be sure to look for the “Trust-e” symbol or Better Business Bureau online seal.  The proves the website and trustworthy.

14. Make sure all online purchases with credit cards are handled through a secure site or in an encrypted mode.  Look for https in the address bar rather than http.  This proves if it is secure or not.

15. Only shop on websites that have a privacy policy.  Know how your personal information will be handled.  Print out proper documents such as: Policies, warranties, price guarantees, etc.

Avoid posting private information on Social Networks

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Social networks are definitely the new trend these days.  While they are a ton of fun and somewhat addicting, we do need to be careful of what we post on these social networks like Facebook, Twitter, etc.  This includes private information like your home address, phone number, social security number, bank account numbers, etc.  Reality is, there are predators and thieves out there waiting, just waiting for this type of information to pop up and feast upon.  Don’t get caught in this trap.

Just recently I was suprised to see that one of my Facebook friends posted on their status, very personal information for all to see.  Granted, this friend may have  had their privacy settings on “Friends only” to view this information but still, this is not a good practice and it definitely can leak out into the cyber world.

I was very surprised to find out just recently that potential employers are using social networks to check up on potential employees after a job interview.  If you heard this in passing as well, it is definitely the truth.  Employers observe job candidate’s activity on these sites to see what type of person they really are.  This is definitely scary and feels almost like an intrusion but to be honest, I think this is an excellent idea as you want to know who you will be hiring and working with.  If all you know that individual could be a psycho.

Last month I heard of an employee being fired from their job due to negative activity on their facebook account.  I am betting it’s not a good idea to bash your boss etc., on your facebook status for this most definitely could jeopardize your job.  I have heard it said; “They can’t fire me for that, it’s a free country, why should they be concerned what I do in my personal time?”   In many cases this is the truth but at the same time if you said those words directly to your boss’s face, you would probably get fired.  If you are unfortunate to have your boss see this status or have someone squeal on you, you might want to start searching for another job.

Social Networks are becoming more and more popular by the minute.  It’s a good idea to keep everything personal under wraps to avoid any situation that could cost you your job, friends, valuables, money, etc.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.  I know this phrase is such a cliche but you and I both know it’s an excellent cliche and one we should always live by.

Do you have any experiences with Social Networks that you would like to share whether positive or negative?  Please feel free so that others, including myself, may learn from your wisdom or maybe even your mistakes.