Identity Theft

Prevention >> Protection with Using the Computer and Internet

• Install and Update Virus Protection Software
• Be Cautious of Unknown Email and Unsecured Sites
• Enable Firewall Program
• Use a Secure Browser
• Properly Dispose of Old Computers
• Read Website Privacy Policies

Install and update virus protection software.

It is important to have up-to-date virus protection software installed on computers.

• Virus software protects against intrusions and infections that can affect your computer files and passwords.
• Ideal virus protection programs automatically update weekly. Windows XP can be set up to automatically check for patches and download them to your computer.

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Be cautious of email from unknown sources and unsecured sites.

• Do not open emails from unknown sources.
• Do not click on hyperlinks or use downloads from unknown sources.
  • Hyperlinks could expose your computer to viruses or a program known as Spyware.
  • Spyware allows thieves to access passwords & other important information while you are using your computer.
• Only input personal information on websites with secure connections.
  • Use sites that have "https://" in front of the sites location rather than http://

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Enable a firewall program

Protect yourself by using a firewall program; they provide the following:

• Protect computers from uninvited users.
• Prevent hackers from accessing your computer and stealing personal information.
• Very important for those who use high-speed internet connections which have a 24 hour connection.

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Use a secure browser

Protect all your on-line transactions. Programs exist that can scramble and encrypt information you send over the internet.

• Look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar to ensure security.
• Free software programs available to guard against on-line identity theft.
  • SpoofStick is a browser extension for Internet Explorer and FireFox Web browsers that help users avoid spoofed Web sites. If you do follow a link in a suspicious email, SpoofStick can tell you if the Web site is really the Web site you are visiting.

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  • Another free download is the EarthLink toolbar, which has a ScamBlocker. EarthLink keeps a database of known phishers, and if you visit a page known to be operated by a phisher, it will alert you right in your browser.

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Properly Dispose of Old Computers

Take proper steps when disposing of old computers.

• Computers store all information on the hard drive. Deleting it from the computer is NOT enough.
• Reformatting the hard drive may not be enough to completely remove personal information.
• Use a "wipe" utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive.

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Read Website Privacy Policies

All websites should contain a privacy policy.

• Privacy policies should answer questions pertaining to the accuracy, access, security, and control of personal information that is collected on the site.
• If there is no privacy policy or it's not understandable, do business elsewhere.

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