Consumer Product Review

Most of us are paying for Internet service the way we once paid for water or other utilities. Ever go without it? Most us find that important business, including bill paying, and even earning a living can all grind to a halt without Internet access.

What can be just as paralyzing is if your sensitive personal information gets into the wrong hands. The Javelin Strategy and Research Survey reports that the average amount involved in identity theft in 2006 was $5,720 with an average resolution turn-around of 40 hours. Being a victim of identity theft can tie up your entire life for days, weeks, or even months.

There are several methods through which your sensitive personal information can be stolen. Regardless of what measures you pursue to protect yourself, awareness is the place to start.

Spyware is software that you can inadvertently download by opening a link in an e-mail, clicking on an ad, or doing any number of other online activities. This software records your keystrokes and uses other methods to gather your personal information. There’s no way to tell 100% where spyware is lurking online, but there are ways to protect yourself. This usually involves purchasing security software that can eliminate spyware from your system and block it from downloading in the first place.

Phishing is a similar method for gathering your personal information, relying on you the user to key in your information. These schemes usually come in the form of e-mails that claim to be from banks, online auction sites, or other popular venues claiming that they need you to log on and update your personal information. The sites these e-mails send you to look and feel like the real thing.

Your number one defense here is to pay attention. If the e-mail or the website itself is littered with misspelled words it’s highly suspect. Realize that no legitimate site will ask for your personal information. Don’t take for granted that an official-looking logo is the real thing. Finally, don’t click on any links imbedded in e-mails. To verify the site’s URL, copy and paste the link into your browser so you know where it’s really taking you.

Having your identity stolen can make you feel as though your whole life is out of control. In this area, your own Internet behaviors play the biggest factor. Fortunately, this is one area in which you have total control. There are some good habits that will help keep your information and your resources safe from identity thieves.

First, never run your computer as the administrator. Spyware, viruses, and other compromising attacks take a stranglehold on your computer when you run on your administrator account.

Disable Flash plugins except for sites you know and trust. Flash features on websites are a popular conduit for viruses and spyware.

Purchase good, well-rated anti-virus software.  The yearly rates are relatively low, especially compared to what you can lose without it. Beware, however, of overloaded software that bogs down your system.

For more articles on Identity Theft please click one of the links below;

• Financial Experts Urge Protection Against Identity Theft | Credit … – Financial experts are recommending that consumers do all they can to protect themselves against identity theft. If, unfortunately, you do become a victim, there are ways that you can lessen your financial pain.
• Consumers Have New Protection Against Identity Theft – BBB News Center – Now there is a new law in place – The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 – that is expected to give some added protection against identity theft and ensure that all citizens are treated fairly when they apply for a …
• CHECK POINT’S ZONEALARM EXTREME SECURITY PROTECTS AGAINST … – ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 offers comprehensive PC and laptop protection against identity theft, Web browser attacks and the latest Internet threats. REDWOOD CITY, Calif., August 31, 2009 – Check Point® Software Technologies …
• Is Lifelock a good investment to protect your identity? | lhpblog.com – I saw a commercial on Lifelock, but it wasn’t until about the 3rd airing in an hour that I realized the guy was showing his ss#, not a telephone number on that truck as a big ad. I’d be scared of the challenge being laid out to those who look for this sort of opportunity. Basically Lifelock guarantees your protection against identity theft including paying for lawyers etc up to $1,000,000, for an annual fee.

Technorati Tags: Consumer Advice, Consumer Information, Consumer Product Review, Consumer Rights, Identity Theft, Online Shopping

Tags: Consumer Advice, Consumer Information, Consumer Product Review, Consumer Rights, Identity Theft, Online Shopping