To safeguard your identity, it's crucial to implement measures to protect your personal information from cybercriminals. These preventive measures may involve:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each online account.
- Monitor your bank and financial accounts regularly and sign up for activity alerts if offered.
- Check your credit report regularly to detect fraudulent activity.
- Take action immediately if you notice suspicious activity and inform the financial institution involved.
- Secure your phone with a password.
- Only use secure URLs that begin with https://.
- Install high-quality security software that includes malware and virus protection, and keep it updated.
- Back up your files and ensure their safety.
- Wipe your hard drive before disposing of your old computer or smartphone.
- Avoid oversharing on social media and adjust privacy settings accordingly.
- Consider using an identity theft protection or credit monitoring service, such as Norton Security with LifeLock.