Do You Know the 5 Basic Principles to Prevent Identity Theft

Everyday, thousands of people experience identity theft which leads to vast amounts of resources and money being stolen. In order to prevent identity theft, various guidelines should be followed by users to prevent this disruptive cyberspace crime from occurring. Security and protection against online hackers could be attained by simply availing the latest security software.

Online users should be constantly aware and vigilant in their use of different programs, websites and services on line. We have to consider that despite the ease and practicality presented by on line processing, they are susceptible to hacking by technically proficient and knowledgeable hackers.

Customers and clients should only avail services from online service providers with a secure and developed system of cyberspace business transaction. It is a joint responsibility of the users and service provides to be careful in order to prevent identity theft.

The basic principle used to prevent identity theft is preparedness and attentiveness. Majority of people being victimized of identity theft are unaware of the rampant activities of hackers to install hidden programs such as worms and viruses.

Hacker employs these malicious programs by attaching them to different websites and disguising them as credible tools. Online users are tricked into downloading them. These programs actually steal information and use them against the users. In the United States alone, thousands of cases regarding password theft which lead to stolen online bank funds are reported at a regular rate. When people discover of the theft against them, most of the damages are already done.

The second principle to prevent identity theft is prudence. Before committing sensitive transactions in a web site, it is the responsibility of the user to know how effective is the security measure set in place to protect his passwords, resources and investments. Reliable websites usually offer firewall installations during online payment and wire transfer.

The third principle to prevent identity theft is to be updated regularly. This could be easily done by downloading and installing all the latest security programs such as internet security software, registry cleaners and virus scanners. It is easy to find these utilities since thousands of websites are set in place to provide free and trial downloads.

The fourth principle is to be always careful and watchful. An online user should always be wary of where he inputs his important passwords and data such as public computers and random person's laptop. Computers which are accessed by the general population could be infected with illegal software that steal and save data to be used for degrading and damaging purposes.

The fifth principle to prevent identity theft is consistency. People tend to forget to scan foreign drives and devices that are integrated to their system. This could lead to installation of hidden programs such as viruses which are common hacking tools for identity theft.

By following these five basic principles, an online user could easily prevent identity theft and its damaging effects. As computer users, it is the responsibility of the owner to be careful in utilizing it in different purposes especially online payment. Hackers only victimize those who are unaware and ignorant.

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