With every aspect of our lives migrating to the electronic world, it is hard not to think about your personal security. Not only is everything being done through new technology and equipment, data is being stored which leaves an opportunity for hackers to access information they typically wouldn’t be able to retrieve. Banking, health and client data is no longer physically kept in files. Nothing is on paper anymore, you can even buy paperless lottery tickets online! Are there ways you can lessen your risk of your identity being stolen? It seems that everywhere you turn there is a risk for this to happen. Your social security number, credit card, address, email or phone number can all be used to steal your identity and hack into your accounts.

Online Shopping

Online shopping is on the rise. People are no longer getting out and going to the mall, they rather purchase what they need from the comfort of their couch or desk. The problem with this, is that you are literally handing over your identity and all of your personal information to these vendors. Make sure when you are purchasing off the internet, you are buying from a reliable source and they are using secure means to process your transaction. Shopping overseas or from a lesser known vendor can heighten your risk for identity theft. The reason for this is that they don’t have the financial backing or power to make sure their systems are secure.

Credit Card Purchases

Using a credit card in general opens up your chances of getting hacked. You could simply go to a gas station or even an atm and swipe your card and be a victim of identity theft. There are machines that can be put into card swipers that read the numbers and information to allow hackers to have access to it. Be very aware when using cards at these sort of locations to avoid such an issue.

Storing Info

One big problem these days is that people like to store information on their computers. Passwords for different sites and login portals tend to be forgotten and need to be stashed away somewhere. People find it is easy to keep a file on their computer but that can often be hacked and then the hacker has access to all of your accounts all in one file. Try not to keep a file like this and find a more secretive way to keep this information. Maybe keep it in a notebook next to your desk or in a file. Either way, keeping it electronically on your computer or electronic device is a definite no no.

Hopefully by following these simple tips will make your chances of being hacked or identity stolen a little less. It is most important to be aware of what you are doing with all of your personal information when it comes to storing it electronically and online.

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