Computer Crimes and Identity Theft

Most identity theft occurs without the use of the internet, but it still plays a major role for thieves who want access to your personal information. Computer crimes and identity theft will continue to grow as criminals and their software becomes more sophisticated.

However, if you are careful with your online behavior and take some simple preventative measures, you can protect yourself from online predators. There are three things you should do to protect yourself.

1. Use common sense

Sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how much information criminals obtain through naive websurfers. One of the most common ways criminals get their information is through "phishing". This is when they send you an email cleverly disguised as an email from a friend, business, bank, or credit card company. Somewhere in the email, there will be a prompt asking you for some personal information. Never enter personal information online unless you are confident it is not a scam!

Often this may be easier said then done because criminals are getting real good at phishing. They may create emails that look EXACTLY like an email from your bank. The best thing to do is never open these emails. When making a purchase or sharing personal information online, always go to the business's website, never click on an email or pop-up ad from those business'. These may just be criminals trying to get your money.

Its always a good idea to get a good antivirus program, along with spyware/adware protection in order to prevent computer crimes and identity theft. Antivirus software like Norton's Antivirus or McAfee Antivirus are reliable sources to prevent viruses from entering your computer. Viruses can enter your computer through email or while websurfing. When you click on a suspicious link or email, the virus software will recognize the threat, alert you, and ask if you want to open the link or close it. You can't beat these programs, they are ESSENTIAL in protecting your identity. They typically retail for $40. Its worth the money.

In addition to antivirus software, make sure you get software that protects you from adware and spyware. Not only can adware and spyware be a threat to your identity, but they can both be real annoying when you're online. I use a program called Spy Sweeper. Its very easy to use and protects your computer from online threats that may come from adware and spyware. Spy Sweeper retails for about $30. Again, like antivirus protection software, you and your computer need this protection. Some antivirus software comes with both adware and spyware protection together.

3. Use a portable hard drive

Lets say a criminal penetrated your fortress of common sense and your newly installed antivirus software with adware and spyware protection. Your computer will likely be infected with programs that either monitor your online behavior, steal your passwords, or slow down your system. Unless you want to buy a new computer or spend unnecessary time dealing with the Geek Squad, you should get a portable hard drive.

The thinking behind this is that you store ALL your computer's information on a backup, external hard drive, BEFORE a virus attacks your computer. If you do get a virus or your computer is taken over by adware and spyware, simply plug in your portable hard drive, erase your current drive, and reinstall your information stored on the portable. I've seen portable hard drives range from $80-$600, but again, its worth it to get one. If your hard drive is destroyed by a virus you either have to hire a computer geek to fix the problem, which can be costly and time consuming, or, more likely, you'll need a new computer.

There is a program called Norton's Ghost that will help you if you need to erase and reinstall your hard drive. Once initiated, Norton's Ghost will erase your current, infected hard drive, and then reinstall your back-up. Its really easy and will save you time, money, and headaches if you get a virus.

This information could be a little technical, but its essential to protecting your online identity. Email me with any questions and I'd be happy to help.

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