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Don't Lose Your Good Name

Protecting Your Family from Identity Theft

By Cara Stevens

Here are some tips for safeguarding your identity when online:

• Keep your virus protection software and definitions up to date.
• Do not click on hyperlinks or files from an unknown sender. They may contain harmful viruses or install spyware or other harmful software that is difficult to remove.
• Steer clear of P2P (peer-to-peer) free file sharing sites and resident desktop applications, such as online wallets and local weather applications. Many of these sites maintain an open connection that in essence holds the door open for online spies, thieves and hackers to steal your information and file space, which potentially compromises the integrity of your files.
• Use a secure browser and consider investing in a firewall to protect your computer from unwanted intruders.
• Wipe your computer's memory clean before disposing of an old computer.
• Do not save passwords on your computer, especially a laptop or a computer that has more than one user.
• If any site or e-mail asks you to send personal information to confirm or update their records or offers you something in exchange for your SSN, passwords or other personal information, JUST SAY NO. "If it sounds too good to be true, it is," Foley says. "And don't give out your information to verify any information without checking with the company directly, the Better Business Bureau, the FTC or another consumer protection agency first."