How to Protect Your Privacy in a Digital World

If high-tech hackers can steal from business giants like Target and Sony, can your laptop or mobile device really be safe?

Slimy identity thieves keep changing their schemes, using cutting-edge methods to pluck your private information out of cyberspace. But they’re motivated by old-fashioned greed. Money magazine reports that in December 2015, crooks hacked 10,000 American Airlines and United Airlines accounts and accessed personal login information — even booking flights and upgrades with users’ frequent flyer miles and perks.

Other horror stories involve “ransomware” viruses that can bug your computer files, with thieves requiring you to pay a ransom to get them back. Hackers can even use your personal information to file a bogus federal tax return in your name and trick Uncle Sam into handing them your refund. So how can you protect yourself?

First, know what identity thieves are looking for. They commonly try to steal:

•       Your login credentials on various websites.
•       Your credit card data.
•       Your social security number.
•       Your social media identity.

The Better Business Bureau reports that in 2014, the Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 270,000 complaints related to online crime and fraud. Get a head start on protecting your data with these tips from the Federal Trade Commission.

Guard against ‘phishing’ schemes. Impersonators try to trick you into sharing personal information, often with an urgent email asking you to click a link and submit private data. Never click on that type of link. Instead, type the real company’s name into your web browser, then contact it through customer service. You also can call the customer service number listed on your account statement and ask if a request was really sent.

Encrypt your data. For online transactions, encryption software can protect data as you send it into cyberspace. A “lock” icon on the status bar of your internet browser will let you know it’s safe to submit information.

Create a ‘strong’ password. Combine letters and numbers. As difficult as it may be to remember, avoid using the same password for all of your various accounts, and change them a few times a year. If juggling too many passwords becomes difficult, try a password management app for help.

Don’t overshare on social media. ID thieves scour your posts for clues about your life. Then they can easily answer that security question about your first pet — thanks to the adorable photo and caption you posted on Throwback Thursday of you and your childhood puppy.

Guard your Social Security Number. If contacted, the FTC says to ask why someone needs it, how it will be used, how it will be protected, and what happens if you don’t share the number. It may not be necessary to divulge it.

Remove files and data before discarding computer hard drives and mobile devices. Use a wipe utility to overwrite a hard drive. Remove SIM cards and permanently delete phone logs, contacts, and the like.

Install anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a firewall on your computer. Set your preferences to update these protections often. Look into privacy products that protect your mobile devices as well.

Avoid sending sensitive information over public WiFi. Starbucks, the airport, or the library may not be the place shop online — especially on transactional sites that are not secure.

Lock your computer and your mobile devices. If you don’t lock it, it’s like leaving your front door open.

Develop vigilant habits.

•        Review credit card and bank statements often.
•        Keep tabs on your bill due dates and investigate if a bill doesn’t come.
•        Make sure charges on your statements match the amount of the bills.
•        Shred any documents with personal and financial information.
•        Review each of your three credit reports at least once a year.

Visit IdentityTheft.gov to learn more about how to respond if you suspect your identity has been stolen, and check out these tips for keeping your information private in a connected world. Meanwhile, Texas Farm Bureau members can defend against identity theft with an exclusive offer from VerifID that helps protect both your privacy and your pocketbook.