{"id":27937,"date":"2019-09-08T23:16:13","date_gmt":"2019-09-08T15:16:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/?p=27937"},"modified":"2021-08-18T16:06:14","modified_gmt":"2021-08-18T08:06:14","slug":"secure-computer-identity-theft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/secure-computer-identity-theft\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic Guide to Securing Your Computer from Identity Thieves"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Identity theft is a nightmare everyone could experience. It can affect individuals, businesses and even government agencies that run their services online. Identity thieves use other people\u2019s identity to commit crimes such as stealing, slander, or for his or her own personal or financial interest.<\/p>\n<p>As one of the fastest growing crime in the U.S., identity theft cases are expected to rise in the years to come if consumers are not given proper education on how to secure themselves from these criminals.<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll have a look at the common methods thieves use to obtain information and the ways one can secure their computers from these hackers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ref-block ref-block--post\" id=\"ref-post-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/phishing-reports-prevention\/\" class=\"ref-block__link\" title=\"Read More: Phishing Attacks And How to Prevent From Being Hooked\" rel=\"bookmark\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Phishing Attacks And How to Prevent From Being Hooked<\/span><\/a>\n<div class=\"ref-block__thumbnail img-thumb img-thumb--jumbo\" data-img='{ \"src\" : \"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/thumbs\/250x160\/phishing-reports-prevention.jpg\" }'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<noscript>\n<style>.no-js #ref-block-post-17343 .ref-block__thumbnail { background-image: url(\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/thumbs\/250x160\/phishing-reports-prevention.jpg\"); }<\/style>\n<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"ref-block__summary\">\n<h4 class=\"ref-title\">Phishing Attacks And How to Prevent From Being Hooked<\/h4>\n<p class=\"ref-description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCybercrime has shown its teeth in the last five years, most predominantly, in the online fraud cases caused...\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>How identity thieves commit fraud<\/h2>\n<p>There are many ways hackers can obtain people\u2019s personal information:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>By obtaining your personal information online, they can <strong>open credit card accounts<\/strong> using your name, banking login, email and password.<\/li>\n<li>They can <strong>clone and create duplicates<\/strong> of your credit card and use it to purchase things online.<\/li>\n<li>Using a harmful malware computer program, thieves can <strong>record keyboard strokes and the sites you visit<\/strong> on the Internet. They can use this malware to unlock your passwords and open your online accounts.<\/li>\n<li>By obtaining your social security number, hackers can <strong>impersonate you<\/strong> to apply for and obtain insurance, apply for rental property or purchase properties which you will have to pay for but won\u2019t be enjoying.<\/li>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/secure-from-identity-theft\/identity-thieves-commit-fraud.jpg\" alt=\"identity-thieves-commit-fraud\" width=\"800\" height=\"507\"><\/figure>\n<li>Some fraudsters can <strong>use your debit card to shop online<\/strong>. Debit cards unlike credit cards are not backed by credit card companies for fraudulent charges.<\/li>\n<li>Thieves can use a <strong>ransomware virus to encrypt your computer files<\/strong>. They will decrypt the files only when you pay them a ransom.<\/li>\n<li>Hackers can gain access to your phone when you connect to a public Wi-Fi. Similarly, when your Wi-Fi at home doesn\u2019t have good security, hackers can use it to <strong>gain access through your connected device\u2019s files<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>How to keep your laptop safe<\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at a few steps you can take to secure your laptop from identity theft.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 1 \u2013 Use Encryption<\/h3>\n<p>Simply <strong>enabling a password on your computer can\u2019t stop hackers from stealing and taking your data files<\/strong>. Thieves can remove your drive, plug it into their system, and transfer the files to their device. However, with encryption, you will be putting extra security on your data.<\/p>\n<p>The word <em>encryption<\/em> refers to a method of protecting data, commonly used to keep private personal information used in online transactions or purchases. There are many forms of encryption that are used at different stages when handling digital information.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Full disk encryption<\/strong> \u2013 this form of encryption provides the strongest security. It can save all your files in case your laptop gets lost or stolen.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Single file encryption<\/strong> \u2013 this form of encryption is used to encrypt a single or one group of file. It can be encrypted using a key or password.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Multi-folder encryption<\/strong> \u2013 this form of encryption allows multiple users to access encrypted information. This encryption software uses shared keys for the users.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/secure-from-identity-theft\/use-encryption.jpg\" alt=\"use-encryption\" width=\"800\" height=\"591\"><\/figure>\n<p>There are many programs you can use to encrypt your computer. Some of the most trusted include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veracrypt.fr\/en\/Home.html\">Vera Crypt<\/a>, a free encryption software for Windows, macOS and Linux, and <em>Bit Locker<\/em>, which is an encryption program built into Windows (Pro and Enterprise editions).<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2 \u2013 Authenticate your computer<\/h3>\n<p>Authentication provides extra security for your computer. It is one of the most essential steps in protecting your computer\u2019s privacy to reduce the risk of identity theft.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Two-factor authentication<\/strong>, for example, helps make your passwords less vulnerable to identity thieves. Two-factor authentication utilizes the user\u2019s phone. Upon request, <strong>a code is sent to the pre-registered mobile phone number<\/strong>. Someone who is not you, will need to have access to your phone in order to get this code, on top of your password to gain access.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/secure-from-identity-theft\/authenticate-computer.jpg\" alt=\"authenticate-computer\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\"><\/figure>\n<p>Many business computers today also use <strong>slot-in smartcards<\/strong> that provide extra security. You can find this technology on smaller gadgets like cellphones and tablets.<\/p>\n<p>Other methods of authentication include biometrics, identifying the face or fingerprints; Window 10 devices use a similar function called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/windows\/windows-hello\">Windows Hello<\/a>. However, only laptops with Real Sense compatible camera and fingerprint sensors can use this access feature.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3 \u2013 Change your browser settings<\/h3>\n<p>Most browsers store passwords, emails and usernames. While there\u2019s an option to disable this, a lot of people choose not to, citing convenience. If you\u2019ve got your computer stolen, hacked, or lost \u2013 all that information stored in your browser will prove useful for identity thieves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Recommended Reading:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/firefox-security-plugins\/\">10 Firefox Plugins For A Safer Browsing Experience<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Like browsers, <strong>emails are also hubspots for your personal info<\/strong> and thus should be more readily secured. Experts suggest using strong passwords (often 12 characters and above with numbers, symbols, and upper and lower case letters) to make it hard for thieves to unlock all your online accounts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Recommended Reading:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/gmail-security-tips\/\">10 Ways To Tighten Up Your Gmail Security<\/a><a href=\"#\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Step 4 \u2013 Update your anti-virus\/malware applications <\/h3>\n<p>It doesn\u2019t matter whether you\u2019re accessing the internet via computer, your laptop, or smartphone. A good security software can keep you protected at all times from different kinds of attacks like <strong>phishing, hacking, malware and viruses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/secure-from-identity-theft\/update-anti-virus.jpg\" alt=\"update-anti-virus\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\"><\/figure>\n<p>Malwares and viruses can gain entry to your system through various means. The best way to make sure you\u2019re protected is to install an anti-virus and anti-malware program that will protect your computer.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 5 \u2013 Safeguard your wireless connection <\/h3>\n<p>Identity thieves can use Wi-Fi to hack into computers and devices. If not encrypted, your Wi-Fi connection can easily be <strong>used as a tool to spy on almost everything you do online<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When using public wireless network connection<\/strong> in various places like coffee shops, hotels, and airports make sure that all your important personal information is protected (don\u2019t access any of your financial accounts or important accounts when on public Wi-Fi).<\/p>\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Recommended Reading:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/smarter-wifi-routers\/\">Smart routers that solve all your Wi-Fi problems<\/a><\/p>\n<p>At home, it\u2019s important to encrypt and put a password on your family\u2019s Wi-Fi. Many hackers use family Wi-Fi to build a detailed profile of you and your family by simply <strong>analyzing and viewing the websites you visit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>While most sites do encrypt information you give them, <strong>there are still other sites that don\u2019t provide login encryption<\/strong> that will secure your information. One way you can safeguard your wireless connection is by using a strong password.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 6 \u2013 Use Identity Alert Systems<\/h3>\n<p>One good way to secure your personal information in your computer or anywhere online or offline is to invest in a good identity protection plan. Identity protection plans <strong>use alert systems that assist consumers during cases of identity theft<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/secure-from-identity-theft\/identity-alert-systems.jpg\" alt=\"identity-alert-systems\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\"><\/figure>\n<p>For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifelock.com\/\">Lifelock\u2019s<\/a> identity alert system monitors various applications in the person\u2019s computer. It gives users full reports and <strong>monitoring of wireless services, credit cards, mortgages<\/strong> and more. When the system detects any risk in your identity, <strong>it sends an alert via email, phone or by text<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Our personal or business identity is a valuable part of our being. Having it exploited and used by criminals can have devastating effects that may last a lifetime. However, with proper knowledge in safeguarding your personal information, you can stay a step ahead from these offenders.<\/p>\n<h2>More on Security<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/protect-your-android-device\/\">10 Tips To Tighten Security On Your Android Device<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/keeping-smartphone-safe\/\">5 Simple Steps To Keeping Your Smartphone (And Data) Safe<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/putting-smartphone-data-at-risk\/\">Are Smartphones Putting Your Data At Risk?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Identity theft is a nightmare everyone could experience. It can affect individuals, businesses and even government agencies that run their services online. Identity thieves use other people\u2019s identity to commit crimes such as stealing, slander, or for his or her own personal or financial interest. As one of the fastest growing crime in the U.S.,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":372,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[3398],"tags":[4605,4601],"topic":[4521],"class_list":["entry-content","is-maxi"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Basic Guide to Securing Your Computer from Identity Thieves - Hongkiat<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Identity theft is a nightmare everyone could experience. 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