How To Protect Your Identity Online

We've all heard cautionary tales about how crooks go through people's trash in search of a bill or receipt containing a credit-card, bank-account, or Social Security number they can use to steal their victim's identity. We're familiar with the consequences of identity theft as well: damaged credit ratings, endless phone calls to creditors, delays or even refusals when applying for loans. What may surprise you, however, is that identity theft can happen online as well as offline.

Instead of sifting through your household trash, cyber identity thieves use an assortment of tried-and-true tricks, from phishing e-mails to Trojan horses, to steal your personal information or get you to give it away. Fortunately, there are some guidelines you can follow to help protect your identity. Think of these as the cyber equivalent of shredding credit-card solicitations and old bank statements:

• Never respond to e-mails requesting account numbers or other private information, no matter how official the mail appears to be.
• Always run anti-virus software and a firewall. They'll help protect you against spyware and other tools that criminals can use to capture your personal information from your own computer.
• Be alert for any change in the way your computer performs. Slowdowns, persistent crashes and reboots, and other out-of-the-ordinary behavior can signal that your machine has a virus, spyware, or other unwelcome visitors.
• Keep personal records and information off of public computers, even your office PC. They're much more vulnerable to prying eyes and misuse than your personal computer is.
• Look for indications that a site is secure, such as a locked padlock displayed within the browser window, before entering credit-card or other information on a website. Know who you're doing business with-and if you're not sure, don't do business.
• Protect your passwords: Always use "strong" passwords (randomly combine letters and numerals) at least eight characters long, change them frequently, and never share them with anyone.

The bottom line: Identity theft is one of the world's fastest growing crimes. Be as careful and protective of your information online as you are of the ID and credit cards in your wallet.