Protecting your data and information may sometimes require specialized expertise. Here are some tips that can help you be prepared.
Every computer can be vulnerable to attack. The consequences of such an attack can range from simple inconvenience to financial catastrophe. While a thief can only steal one car at a time, a single hacker can cause damage and wreck havoc on both your financial and personal security.
Here are some simple steps:
- Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Considering activating your software's auto update feature to ensure your cyber security is always up-to-date.
- Don't open amelus from unknown sources. Be suspicious of unexpected emails that include attachments whether they are from a known source or not. When in doubt, delete the file and the attachment, and then empty your computer's deleted items file.
- Use hard-to-guess passwords. Passwords should have at least 8 characters with a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters as well as numbers. Change your passwords frequently and do not give your password to anyone.
- Protect your computer from Internet intruders by using firewalls.There are two forms of firewalls: Software firewalls that run on your personal computer, and hardware firewalls that protect computer networks or groups of computers. Firewalls help to keep out unwanted or dangerous traffic while allowing acceptable data to reach your computer. Be careful which sites or services you access when using public wireless networks. Even if they are secure (requiring a password to get on), you never know who else is using the network.
- Back up your computer data. Many computer users have either already experienced the pain of losing valuable computer data or will as some point in the future. Back up your data regularly.
- Regularly download security protection updates known as patches. Patches are released by most major software companies to cover up security holes that may develop in their programs. Regularly download and install the patches yourself, or check for automated patching features that do the work for you.
- Check your security on a regular basis. When you change your clocks for Daylight Saving time, evaluate your computer security. The programs and operating system on your computer have security settings that you can adjust. Just as you have several locks and security at your home so should you on your computer. Also, employ the same online safety behaviors when surfing on a mobile device.
Identify theft remains one of the fastest growing crimes in the country today. In fact, Id theft has increased more than 50 percent since 2003. Identity thieves have developed a number of ways to obtain your information - from the simple theft of a wallet to elaborate internet-based scams. Once thieves have your social security number, they can establish credit in your name and incur hundreds or even thousands of dollars in credit card charges, fraudulent loans and more. Often you may be unaware of these charges until a merchant or credit card collector seeks payment for a bill that you knew nothing about. Or you may be declined for a loan due to a credit report showing defaults on loans that are unknown to you.
For many victims, the most stressful aspect of identity theft is the complicated process of reclaiming their identities and repairing their damaged credit. That's why Webb Insurance represents several companies that offer resolution services as well as access to consumer fraud specialist who can guide you through the process of restoring your name and credit record including:
- obtaining a free credit report from the three main credit bureaus
- placing fraud alerts with major credit reporting agencies
- enrolling you in six months of daily credit monitoring
- completing dispute letters on your behalf for approval and signature
If you have any questions concerning your personal Identify protection, your homeowner's coverage and/or auto coverage, contact me and let's talk.
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