Tips to Help Safeguard Your Identity

Safe Computing

• Never use the "Remember my Password" function on any website that contains personal or financial information. Anyone using your computer can access the same information or conduct business in your name.
• If you must store personal information (such as passwords or credit card numbers) on your computer or PDA, use an encryption program to protect them. Another way to keep an electronic record is to create a CD of the sensitive information and store it in a locked place whenever you're not actively using it.
• Getting rid of a computer? Just erasing or reformatting the hard drive doesn't completely remove the information you don't want others to have. Use special software to "scrub" your hard drive so that your files can't be recreated.
• Keep your antivirus software up-to-date and your operating system and software secure by installing all security updates. We highly recommend you use your computer's auto-update function.
• Beware of "phishing" scams designed to lure you into submitting personal information online. These messages may look like official correspondence from a company you do business with, but don't be fooled! Legitimate companies don't request sensitive information via e-mail. If in doubt, call the company's customer service center.
• If you shop online, consider using one credit card exclusively for that purpose. That way you can monitor all online purchases on one statement, and keep another card for face-to-face transactions.
• Before placing an order online, look for a closed "lock" icon on the bottom of the page and make sure the address begins with "https". This signifies that encryption software is being used to create a secure transaction.
• Storing your credit card information on a shopping or service website may seem convenient, but it puts your credit at risk. Even highly respected online vendors have had their security broken.
• Unsolicited e-mail and attachments can wreck havoc on your computer. A message may look like it's from a trusted source, but it's possible for an unscrupulous person to pretend to be someone else. If you're not expecting an attachment, don't open it or even reply to it! The safest plan is to delete it and contact the sender in a separate e-mail.
• Never walk away from a computer you're logged in to. Someone else can use that computer to perform unethical or illegal activities in your name. You'll be considered the primary suspect, and you'll have to prove you weren't responsible. Log out of all services before leaving!

Other Safety Tips

• General Tips
• Travel Tips
• Banking & Credit Tips
• Safe Computing Tips

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