One You Blog

Security vs. Paranoia

When it comes to keeping your information safe there are a lot of reasonable stops that you can take.  They make you a smart and cautious person.  There is however a point where your security mindedness can become paranoia.  Of course, there is no hard and fast rule for knowing when it’s paranoid behavior but answering some of these questions may help you decide.

1. How likely is this to happen?  Computer viruses from an email attachment are way more likely then having your wallet stolen in rural Kansas.
2. Will this measure be effective prevention?
3. Is this measure reasonable to integrate into my life?

Only you can decide.

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Do More Cardholders Mean More Risk?

There are very few people who will put other users on their credit card with one glaring exception.  That exception is their children.  If they go on a vacation out of the country or off to college you may give them an emergency card.  If your child is responsible, and does not blow it all on kegs, this can actually be a great way to achieve some peace of mind.

The question is, does this extra card put you at extra risk?  Sadly, the answer is yes.  Let’s look at the away to college scenario again.

1. Your credit card is in a place with thousands of cash strapped 19 years old.
2. Large crowds are common in this location, where it is easy to be pick pocketed.
3. It is unlikely that your child sleeps with their wallet.  They do, sleep with a roommate.

Even if none of that was a factor, more cards still means more chances.  Teach your cardholder to be on guard.

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College Students and Identity Theft

You would think that college students are well aware of identity theft and how it can affect them. After all, they are well educated individuals. But guess what? This is not always true. A recent study by the Identity Theft Resource Center revealed that approximately 42 percent of college students feel that they are not at risk for identity theft. Unfortunately, most of these students engage in activities, such as sharing their social security number and bank account information, which increase their chance of becoming a victim. 

It is important that students change their way of thinking before they hit college campuses at the end of August. Here are some things you can personally do to better your situation:

1. Realize that you can become a victim. If you are one of those who believe you are immune to identity theft, change your way of thinking.

2. If you notice your college using your social security number for things such as posting grades and issuing ID’s, ask them to stop. Of course, you will want to explain why you don’t agree with this practice.

3. Don’t leave important information lying around your dorm room. You never know when wandering eyes will pick up your bank account number, credit card number, or other details that can be used to steal your identity.

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What to do in The Face of Rising Identity Theft Rates?

No doubt, 2008 and 2009 are banner years for an increase in identity theft.  Which is enough to make anyone with even a modicum of savings or a shred of decent credit score left want to go live in caves somewhere.  Once you get past that urge, these steps can help you to stay safe.

1. Keep an eye on your credit report.  Watch for surprise entries.
2. Don’t give out your information lightly, and turn down any sharing notices you get in the mail.  Always opt out.
3. Rotate your passwords more often to prevent covert access.

It is not fool proof, but every step helps.

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Computers and Identity Theft: Do you trust yours?

What computer do you use most often to pay bills online and/or make purchases? If you cannot answer this question there may be a problem. It is important that you know that the computer you are using is 100 percent secure. If you don’t, many bad things can happen. Among them is identity theft.

How does the computer I choose have a bearing on whether or not my identity is stolen? The answer to this question is not as difficult as you may think. Take for instance a computer that is infected with spyware. This means that somebody somewhere may be watching what you do online. In turn, your information is being stolen. This can include everything from your online logins to your bank account information to your credit card and social security numbers.

The best thing you can do is to only use your home computer for these purposes. If you know your personal PC is safe, why not rely on it time after time? This is much better than jumping around from computer to computer and tempting fate.

If you don’t trust your computer, for whatever reason, you should not use it to transmit personal information. What you should do is attempt to restore your computer to its factor settings to ensure a more secure environment.

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How Often Should You Update Your Virus Definitions to Keep Your Identity Safe?

Warning Symbol

Viruses are a great way for someone to steal your identity, and your online banking log in.  If you own virus, software, you may feel safe, but without regular updates that software can not function at maximum efficiency.

You know that you need to update, but the question is how often?  Security experts abound with different opinions.  Everywhere from once a week to once  fiscal quarter.  How should you choose who to listen to?

Well, you can always do a complete analysis of their credentials or you could just look at who their audience is.  A site for business will give advice for admins where you need home based advice.

On the average once a month will do fine for most home users.

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Should You Get A Temporary Credit Card Number

In some circumstances your credit card company can issue you a temporary number that will work for other only 1 purchase or for a limited amount of money.  They are a great way to protect your number.  Since a fee is usually associated with this privilege, it is good to know when to get one.  Here are some good times.

• When you are buying on a questionable site (not recommended)
• When you are booking vacations in another country
• When you are dealing with a company that usually makes repetitive charges, but you have negotiated a one time deal.

Essentially, any time that you do not feel safe.

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Should You Believe All the Security Tips You Read Online

The world of the web can be a great source of information.  It can also be a great way to spread misinformation.  Scammers are not immune to that realization.  One of the easiest ways to get an end user to download your virus is to make it look like (or embed it in) a file that the user will want.  Just as easy, if not easier, is to give bad security advice and then send you to a virus loaded link.

While you think you are getting help to make your device more secure, it is actually less secure.  So, how do you tell good advice from bad?

First, follow general guidelines for evaluating a site.  Second, use your common sense.  When in doubt ask a pro first!

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Why are you worried about Identity Theft?

Does the title of this post surprise you? It should. If you are not worried about identity theft you are not living in the world today. There is no reason to sit back and stress out about identity theft day after day. But when it comes down to it, you definitely need to keep in mind that you could become a victim at anytime. Remember, when you realize that identity theft is a problem you can do your best to avoid it.

No matter if you have been a victim of identity theft or have avoided this your entire life, there is a chance that you could be taken advantage of at anytime. Instead of letting worry overcome your life, you should use this to push you in the direction of staying safe.

Those who worry about identity theft take the time to do their best in avoiding it. This can be done by only shopping at reputable stores, keeping all your personal and bank account information safe, and checking your credit report at least once per year. As you can see, you can focus your energy on useful tasks instead of worrying and hoping that your identity is never stolen.

You should not constantly worry about your identity theft. But you should be aware that this is a problem that could effect you if you are not careful.

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Identity Theft News Stories for the Week

If you want to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft you should stay up to date with all the latest developments from around the globe. You never know when an identity theft story is going to surface and open your eyes.

Here are some of the biggest stories of the past few days:

1. Identity theft: Criminals increasingly target children’s identities

2. FTC identity theft rule takes effect Aug. 1

3. Woodstock Duo Charged With Identity Theft

4. Wedding season brings threats of identity theft for engaged couples

5. Plano-based business helps veterans keep identity

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