27 Dec
Posted by admin as Financial Articles
Robert Siciliano Identity Theft Expert
The FBI considers the cyber threat against our nation to be one of the greatest concerns of the 21st century.
Steven R. Chabinsky is deputy assistant director of the cyber division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This article is sourced from GovInfoSecurity.com and was adapted from written testimony he delivered earlier this month to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security.
“Despite the enormous advantages of the Internet, our networked systems have a gaping and widening hole in the security posture of both our private sector and government systems. An increasing array of sophisticated state and non-state actors have the capability to steal, alter or destroy our sensitive data and, in the worst of cases, to manipulate from afar the process control systems that are meant to ensure the proper functioning of portions of our critical infrastructure. Mor
The Internet is a dangerous place. If you are not cautious enough, it strips you bare in front of many who are waiting to take advantage of you and your kid’s innocence. You may not be vulnerable, but your kids definitely are. They are too young to understand the traps laid by mischievous programmers and marketers on the Internet. It is your duty to tell them how to remain safe while surfing the web.
Addresses and phone numbers are the first thing that an identity thief will steal from your kids. This information appears quite simple and innocuous, but it is not. Warn your kids to not share these details with anyone without your permission.
Social security number is the second thing that are most sought after among identity thieves. W
Have you received a letter or email asking you to be a “mystery shopper?” Maybe you are a legitmiate mystery shopper and have received this “assignment.” An assignment or job that appears too good to be true and that involves check cashing may just be a scam. Find our more about this particular scam, how to identify it and what to do if you have been a victim.
With the economy being what it is, as well as the holiday season taking a big bite out of our wallets, many people I know are looking for legitimate ways to make a little something extra. One job that is discussed quite often is that of being a “mystery shopper.”
Mystery shoppers are people who are hired by companies to do a little research project. They may go get their oil changed, get an eye exam and purchase glasses or just go shopping in a specified section of a department store. There are legitimate companies that hire people to perform this research which includes completing the assigned tasks and turning in a report.
The best and only way to avoid being a victim of identity theft is to hold your personal information dearly and carefully. Minimize all chances of your information being stolen and misused by getting a firm grip over your personal data. Never be too confident of the measures that you have undertaken to prevent abuse of your information, always be on a look out and always be strict with your information.
Hunt for information
Identity thieves have mastered various techniques and antics to obtain personal information, most common of which are as follows:
Theft
The most common targets include purses, wallets, or mail
Garbage Sniffing
A grotesque act of going through your through your garbage at your home or location of business, in search of your personal information on discarded items.
Tricks and Pranks
Luring you into providing personal information especially online, through a website portal or by email.
Gathering information from employee files or from legitimate businesses.
Acting as a new creditor just to get a hold of your credit report.
Shoulder surfing.