Cyber Security Tips and Recommendations

Cyber Security Tips

Help Safeguard Your Personal Information From Cyber Predators

Cyber security is a broad term that encompasses the various measures that protect computers and networks from harm. The need for protection stems from the virus threats, keystroke logging programs, and spyware that exist today. To increase awareness about computer security, ProtectMyID^TM is proud to endorse National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a national campaign to bring attention to the shared responsibility of national cyber security every October.

Stop. Think. Connect.
Cyber attacks permanetly damage your computer, and cyber predators can steal your personal information and use elements of your identity to commit fraud. Protect your identity with the help of these tips from ProtectMyID. Also visit the ProtectMyID blog to join the dicussion on identity theft protection and information security.

Computer Tips | Email & Social Networking Tips | Mobile Phone Tips

Computer Tips

Stay up-to-date. Use a firewall as well as cyber security software, such as antivirus and antispyware, that will scan for computer security threats and uninstall them. Ensure all of your protection measures, as well as your operating system and software, are up to date. Also, change your passwords every 90 days for better information security.
Shop with care. Before submitting credit card information online, look at the URL to ensure you're on a HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) site. Be wary if a site requires information that isn't necessary for a transaction. Information security is more important than anything you could buy.
Laptop security. With the proper software installed, stolen laptops can be tracked to a physical location if they are connected to the Internet. Other software gives you remote access for computer security with the ability to erase your files or send them to a secure data center for recovery via the Web. back to top

Email & Social Networking Tips

Avoid spam and scams. Always question the legitimacy of emails and social networking messages that ask for money or personal information. Spear phishing attacks mimic communications from a business to persuade you to divulge personal information. Legitimate business won't contact you to verify your account.
Network below the radar. Public profiles on social networking sites put you at risk by exposing information, such as your full birth date, hometown, employment history, etc., that a crimial could use to pose as you. Use privacy settings to ensure your personal information isn't public knowledge.
Just don't. Don't open unknown attachments, don't click on unknown links, and don't share too much information online, That's a lot for don'ts but when your identity and computer could be at risk, it's better to play safe. The rewards aren't always worth the risks. back to top

Mobile Phone Tips

Download with caution. Mobile phones can do more and be more personalized than ever before. Just be wary that you might pay the price when you download or purchase applications or ringtones. Some may come with a virus attached that steals your personal information.
Use passwords Your mobile phone likely offers multiple layers of protection. At a minimum, activate PIN access to your phone. Also consider password protecting your email as well as any applications, such as banking or social networking, that provide access to sensitive information.
Be wary of SMSishing. You may receive a counterfeit text message that appears to be from a legitimate bank or credit card company asking you verify your account information. Once you supply your information via phone or Web, it will be in the hands of criminals. Be aware of information security by knowing when to ignore a text message. back to top

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How ProtectMyId
Can Help

ProtectMyID^TM enhances your own cyber security and information security efforts. With Internet Scan, we monitor suspicious chat rooms and websites just as we monitor your credit reports.

If we detect exposure of your Social Security, debit or credit card numbers, you'll receive a Surveillance Alert so you can act quickly with the guidance of our Identity Theft Resolution Agents.

Activate your Internet Scan feature now

Call 1-866-960-6943 for more information about how ProtectMyID can help, or click here

Social Media Study: Identity & Privacy Concerns

A recent study revealed that 40% of respondents do not take steps to protect their privacy when using social media. Use the tips on this page to increase your level of awareness and responsibilty. Read more