Identity theft & How to reduce your chances of it occurring

By Brett 2020-06-02 security

We all know a friend, client, colleague or family member that has been hit by identity theft criminals. Their attempts become more and more sophisticated but the prevention from identity theft is quite simple.

Within Australia alone, identity theft is a 2 billion dollar industry. More and more people and businesses are being targeted, exploited and their lives torn apart because their computer’s have been hacked, money stolen from the bank, social media accounts compromised, business and personal data locked and held for ransom, or been blackmailed for dirty photos.

Quite often your stolen identity documents are used by the offender for opening and operating fictitious bank accounts in your name or accessing your bank accounts. The sort of documents offenders steal are credit cards, driver’s licences, utility bills, bank and credit card statements, and any other documents containing personal information.
Western Australia Police Force

How it happens

Identity theft can happen in many ways. It can range from someone using your credit illegally, to having your entire identity assumed by another person and business conducted in your name without your consent. Important personal information can be accessed by a determined thief, despite your best efforts.

Your wallet or purse is stolen with all your identifying cards.
Your home is burgled and personal documents stolen. Important documents, such as bank statements, credit cards, utility bills and taxation return, are stolen from your letterbox. Mail is diverted to another address without your knowledge.
Recycle rubbish bins being searched.
Being the victim of a scam, where you have been conned into providing personal information over the telephone or by email (request for money - advanced fee fraud or phishing).
Your personal computer may have been compromised with malicious software or hackers / criminals may compromise the computers of businesses that hold your personal information.
Credit card details may be captured by hidden devices during an ATM or EFTPOS transaction (ATM credit card skimming) or your PIN number may be seen by someone in the queue (shoulder surfing).
Credit cards may be skimmed at retail outlets or restaurants.

How to protect yourself

Personal information is shared almost everyday as you pay bills, log on to a computer, or engage with any number of transactions with other people and organisations. You can take an active role in reducing the risk of your identity being used without your knowledge. You need to recognise where you might be vulnerable and then make changes to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

Protect Your Personal Information
Provide only the minimum amount of information required whether you are making a purchase, making a request for service or information or signing up for something.
When being contacted by an institution you hold an account with, such as a utility company or bank, always deny to reveal personal identifying information until you are positive the caller is whom they claim to be. If in doubt, simply hangup and call that institution on their official phone number, do not accept a phone number that the caller might provide.
Never give access your to computer
Computer devices are a part of modern life, from laptops to cell phones, we rely on them everyday to store our personal data. Often this data can include passwords, banking details, and personal information.
Granting someone access to your computer device is akin to giving them access to your personal filing cabinet.
Always keep your PC software updated
Much like the common seasonal cold many of us face each year, digital threats are continually changing and evolving. This is why it is important to keep your software updated at all times, in order to minimise our chances of being susceptible.
We know Microsoft Windows often decides on the worse of times to perform an update and reboot, often this is the driving reason for people to delay or completely disregard vital updates.
Did You Know; a correctly configured system should work for you, not against you? Once properly setup, your Windows machine will never again interrupt your workflow. Contact Us to figure out how we can improve your workflow experience.
Shred your mail/sensitive paperwork
Do not leave old or unnesseary paperworks laying around. Once paperwork is no longer relevant you should shred it to reduce the exposure of snooping eyes, or file it into a secure filing cabinet.
Have email security and anti-virus software in place
It is vital to have quality security software installed and updated at all times. Often this is your best and simplest mitigation against potential threats.
Don’t open suspicious emails
Do not open email attachments or click links sent by someone you do not know.

Following these will drastically reduce your chances of being compromised by identity theft.

Everyone needs this advice, give us a call to help get you on the right track.