How to safeguard our personal and financial data?

Online activities such as blogging, online banking, E-commerce trading and others have become popular nowadays, therefore, online users increasing form year to year. This leads to identity theft increasing sharply in recent years. Identity theft occurs when someone co-ops your name, social security number, credit card number, or some other piece of your personal information for their own use, either to commit fraud or theft, without your knowledge. There are many ways that criminals can obtain our information. Hence, our privacy may be seriously invaded. Therefore, how to safeguard our personal and financial data?

There are several ways to cope with or reduce the risk of identity theft.

1)Install a firewall

A firewall is a software program designed to allow good people in and keep bad people out. Most new computers come with firewalls integrated into their operating systems. Those who have a DSL or cable modem have an added layer of protection because these modems come with yet another firewall built in. If, however, you hae an older computer or use dial up, you may need to buy a firewall separately and install it yourself.

2)Install spyware protection software

It helps you to completely clean your computer of invasive threats. As a results, your computer will be clean and its performance will be better. Simply put, it will run a lot faster. Additionally, you will have protected your privacy- personal information, financial data,and your financial security will be protected.In the information age, where just one piece of your personal information can ruin your life, protecting your personal privacy while online is of the utmost importance.

3)Avoid accessing financial information in public

Resist logging on to check your bank balance when working from a coffee shop that offers wireless access. These systems are convenient, but also unknown. Casual users have no way of assessing how sturdy their firewalls are.

4)Update your browser
The most popular browsers that being used are Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer. Make sure your operating system and web browser are set up properly and updating them on a regular basis which can help to plug up security holes, so make it a habit.



5)Look for "locks"

Those web address start with "https" instead of "http" will provide security before you log on. Besides, a small lock icon in the lower-right corner of the browser window is also a sign of security.

6)Do not open mystery attachments

Never open an attachment, download files or click on a link sent to you by an unknown party. Attachments can contain viruses and links can lead unsuspecting users to dummy sites where they are asked to input financial information.

7)Encrypted e-mail

Encrypted e-mail is scrambled by the sender's program, which renders it unreadable until it is descrambled or "decrypted" by the recipient.Unencrypted e-mail is similar to a postcard - the message can be viewed by anyone who picks it up. Encrypted e-mail is similar to a sealed letter- the content cannot be viewed until the envelope is opened- except in this case the envelope has a lock on it to which only the recipient has a key!

8)Install online financial software

If you use online financial software, you need a password to access your data, so password protection is essentially already built in. Be sure that your online personal finance software provider offers the highest level of security, especially if you must enter actual account numbers. ClearCheckbook is one online personal finance software that does not require account numbers at all.

9)Select strong password

Avoid using words or numbers that other people can easily guess. Using your birthdate or last four digits of your social security number are too obvious to use as passwords or PINs. Strong password should include alphanumeric and minimum 8 digits. For example, use AMUB4075 as your password will be more safer.

Online activities are part of our daily life, however, most casual PC users are unaware of how dangerous the Internet can be. Without the proper knowledge and protection, you could be just a few simple keystrokes and clicks away from having your identity stolen. Therefore, we need make sure that our data are protected besides enjoying the benefits bring by the internet to us. Above are some tips for preventing online identity theft, make use of it will benefit to us.