Protecting Yourself From Online Computer Virus Attack and Personal Identity Credit Card Data Hacking

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Identity Theft And How To prevent online identity theft: By Irem Bright C'mezie



What Is Identity Theft And How To Avoid It?
Identity theft refers to impersonation of your personal data by antisocial elements who try to steal your money in some way or the other. The internet is such a great tool that simplifies our life but it has also its downside. At various points of time, we share important information online thinking that they are insignificant. Some of the details we share online without thinking of the consequences are our full name, phone numbers, residential address, your date of birth, work place address, credit card details, policy numbers, debit card information and other such sensitive data. 

These might look like bits and pieces of information and individually they may not have any special significance. However when they are compiled, one can easily reconstruct your profile and misuse it robbing you of your money. Identity theft has become a sort of institutionalized crime with people systematically working on stealing information. Identity thieves also use your profile in other situations such as fraudulent transactions, job applications, terrorist activities, fraudulent driving licenses etc.
Ways to prevent identity theft
Are you scared to read about all these and wondering how to prevent identity theft? Here are few important tips that show you how to avoid identity theft. 

One of the important pieces of information that every identity thief will require is your social security number. You should not share your social security number randomly with people. Do so only when you think that it is necessary. It is not a good idea to carry your social security card in your wallet. It is also not a good idea to share them online. 
Invariably, all of us use computers and use them extensively to shop online. Make sure that your computers are fully secured. You should have the latest or the most up to date antivirus program installed in your computer and it should be enabled all the time. Keep your firewalls in your computer turned on all the time. Do not forget to install anti-spyware program in your computer. 

These security measures will help you save you from identity theft and it will also prevent credit card theft. Another important factor to remember here with regard to credit card identity theft is that you should check your credit card statements carefully for purchases or expenses that you have not incurred.

It is also a recommended good habit to get your own annual credit report. This will help you keep a tab on your identity and if there is something wrong, you will be able to take immediate action to rectify the situation. 
One of the major reasons for identity thefts is our own carelessness. We are reckless with our personal information. Basic precautions will go a long way in protecting your online identity and your credit card. Always access online shopping sites from a fully secured computer and use only trusted online stores to shop. Think twice before you share any sensitive personal information online.

Two things to bear in Mind while we talk about Protecting yourself Online in order to Prevent Online Identity Theft and being Victim of Cyber-Criminals:

A. Keep in mind that antivirus software protects only your device, not your internet connection. It’s only Secured and Protected Virtual Private Network, VPN can securely protect your internet connection communications between your computer device, servers and websites.

B. A VPN is a must-have utility to protect your privacy and prevent hackers and snoopers from stealing your personal information.