From medical information to financial records, nearly every type of personal data is stored online. While the internet is a convenient resource, it opens the door for identity theft and other cybercrimes.
The problem is real. Conservative estimates suggest there were more than 1.5 million ID theft cases in the United States in 2025.
To help reduce your cyber security risks, consider the following tips.
What is identity theft, and who is at risk?
Identity theft is the unauthorized use or attempted use of an existing account, use of your information to open a new account or misuse of your information to commit fraud.
Even if you have never used the internet, you are still at risk as many companies store data online. Data thieves gain access to information from a variety of places, including your mailbox, home and business trash, public landfills, public records and social media.
How can I protect my information?
Being vigilant and recognizing red flags can go a long way toward protecting your personal information. Consider these tips:
- Use multi-factor authentication, which provides additional security to keep unauthorized users from accessing accounts. Muti-factor authentication sends you a code via text, email or a phone call for you to enter when you try to sign on to your account.
- Update your software regularly. Consider setting up automatic updates.
- Click with caution. According to experts, more than 90% of successful cyberattacks start with phishing emails, aimed at getting you to click on a link and enter personal information or passwords.
- Use strong passwords. Consider using a password manager to create and store unique passwords.
- Review your financial accounts and credit report. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three main credit reporting companies every year. You can get it by going to www.AnnualCreditReport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228.
- Be mindful of what you post online. Guard against posting photos that reveal your address or may contain sensitive information.
- Protect your home network by using WPA3 or WPA2 encryption. Also, avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi for banking or sensitive work.
- Ask questions before giving out your Social Security number. Organizations such as the IRS, your bank and your employer need your Social Security number. Others don’t. Before giving it out ask: Why do you need it? How will you protect it? Can you use a different identifier? Can you use just the last four digits of my Social Security number?
What if my ID is stolen?
Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.identitytheft.gov. Call the companies where you know fraud occurred.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. You may also want to put a freeze on your credit report to prevent criminals from obtaining a loan in your name.
You may also choose to file a report with your local police.
Modern technology has made life so much more convenient for us. Unfortunately, bad actors will find a way to misuse this valuable tool.
Practicing common sense and being alert can go a long way toward keeping you from being a victim of identity theft.
