28-06-2011, 08:11 AM
1
Protecting you Privacy
Do you take precautions to protect your privacy?There are so many wrongdoers in society and on the internet these days that being extra careful is of paramount importance.
Just a few ways to help you supplied by BT finance but there are many more.
1. Check your bank account
It's always a good idea to regularly check your bank account and keep an eye out for any unusual transactions. Yes, it might seem like a hassle, but if you suddenly spot that you've apparently spent £100 online and you know you didn't, you're likely to be very pleased you checked!
2. Shred any documents
You should always dispose of personal documents carefully. Anything which highlights your name and address should be shredded — whether this is your bank statement, letter from your doctor, or utility bills. It's also worth shredding receipts as these can be valuable to fraudsters.
3. Get a decent anti-virus package
If you don't have anti-virus software, your computer will be far more vulnerable to computer viruses. If your computer does become infected by a virus, this can result in identity theft and fraud.
There are various anti-virus packages out there but most anti-virus software companies sell a standalone package that scans for viruses, as well as security suite packages that include other protective software. You can read more about this here.
4. Install anti-spyware protection
Spyware lurks inside your computer and collects information about you and your internet usage. So make sure you are protected. You can find a list of anti-spyware programs here.
5. Use a personal firewall
A firewall acts as a barrier between the public internet and your private computer system. You can find out more about firewalls here.
6. Update your internet browser
Hackers are always looking for ways to get into your computer. Developers try to close these loopholes by updating the software. As a result, it's really important to ensure you continually update your computer to make sure your versions of Windows and Internet Explorer are kept current.
7. Keep your wireless network safe
If you don't have the correct level of security, your wireless networks are vulnerable to eavesdropping, hackers and freeloaders. So make sure you protect your wireless network — you can find out how here.
8. Use a spam filter
If you use software such as Mailwasher, this will help to cut down on unwanted spam emails. This means you're less likely to become a victim of a phishing attack.
Phishing emails pretend they are from your bank or other reputable organisation and aim to get hold of your personal details by requesting that you click on a link which will take you to a fake website. If you do receive an email like this, don't click on any links and delete the email immediately.
9. Use strong passwords
Always ensure you have strong passwords for your online accounts. Don't make them something obvious such as a partner's name, holiday destination, or your football team. You should also ensure you use a different password for each account and never write them down or tell anyone else — the same goes for your PIN.
10. Use secure websites
If you're shopping online, always make sure the website is secure before entering your payment details. Check to see whether there's a padlock symbol on the screen and ensure the web address at the top of the page changes to 'https://' , as opposed to the usual 'http'. The 's' signifies it's secure.
11. Watch out for cookies
Cookies are files that websites use to store information about you between sessions. This means they tend to track your username so that you don't need to continually log in. However, the trouble with this is that hackers can track your browsing habits and then target adverts at you or build a profile of your interests which they can use for fraud.
So make sure you set your browser to warn you when a cookie is installed. Internet Explorer will allow you to enable and disable cookies on a site by site basis so you can allow them on sites you trust.
12. Open a separate email account
If you're signing up to a website that requires you to enter an email address, use a disposable, anonymous email account so that your main account doesn't get bombarded with spam.
If you need to enter an email address, but you won't get any email from the website, you can use 'someuser@example.com' as an address. This is a protected email address that will never reach a real company or user.
13. Don't give out your details
Be very careful about handing over any personal details. Only divulge details over the phone when you have instigated the call and you are familiar with the company. And never give out your personal details by email unless you know exactly who you are dealing with.
14. Be careful when social networking
If you use sites such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace, be careful how much information you reveal. This includes passwords and key dates that could allow fraudsters to gain access to your bank account.
It's a good idea to keep your Facebook profile private and don't advertise the fact you're about to go on holiday, or you're away from home, particularly if your address is clearly stated on the website.
I try to do all those things 29-06-2011, 09:32 PM
4
Re: Protecting you Privacy
I think most of us take our personal information security pretty seriously.It is somewhat annoying when we take all these safety measure precautions and someone can telephone you despite being from day one Ex Directory and proceed to relay all your personal details to you.
There should be some legislation put in place to make it a criminal offence for all service providers, doctors, dentists, insurers and hospitals etc selling your information.
That is where the big money is today.
30-06-2011, 03:00 PM
5
Re: Protecting you Privacy
There is'nt a lot of point in a way, when the DVLA sell your details on to parking companies, the Police, when involved in accidents, on to Insurance Companies, your Local Council's Electoral Roll, to interested Local Businesses. However much you try and keep your details safe, the State can do what it pleases.No wonder the National Identity Scheme was scrapped, as most of us poor honest citizens, are already well documented.30-06-2011, 06:26 PM
6
Re: Protecting you Privacy
Originally Posted by John
->
There is'nt a lot of point in a way, when the DVLA sell your details on to parking companies, the Police, when involved in accidents, on to Insurance Companies, your Local Council's Electoral Roll, to interested Local Businesses. However much you try and keep your details safe, the State can do what it pleases.No wonder the National Identity Scheme was scrapped, as most of us poor honest citizens, are already well documented.
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