Top 5 Advisory Tips for Scam and Identity Theft Protection in 2013

As we start off the new year there lies an uncertainty of what 2013 is to bring when it comes to malware and cyber security predictions. The outlook for this new year looks to be challenging as we seek out new advanced malware threats. Regardless of the outcome during 2013, we can be proactive by utilizing resources such as the latest advisories from for protection against scams and identity theft.

Scambook, a security resource known for insights of malware trends and predictions, has released 5 tips in their recent 'How to Protect Yourself from Scams and Identity Theft in the New Year' video. Within the video, you will take notice to how the tips are proactive in prompting you as a computer user to increase your over-all cybersecurity. Many of the steps, including changing your passwords, getting a Gmail and Google voice account, check your bills online every day, and organize your important legal documents are all relatively easy and not very time consuming.

Top 5 Tips for Scam and Identity Theft Protection in 2013

Tip #1: Change your passwords

Changing your passwords often, about every 3 months, is a good idea to thwart off hackers who are in the business of guessing passwords. Additionally, being creative with your password by making them case-sensitive, mix numbers and avoid using common phrases, will essentially ensure that you have a strong password and it cannot be easily guessed.

Tip #2: Get a Gmail Account and Use Google Voice

- Using Gmail is completely free, and a new account can be created within a matter of one minute. A Gmail account will give you an alternative address from the one that you give family and friends so you may separate the email you use for important accounts, such as your online banking account. Gmail will also allow you to create a separate phone number through Google Voice so you may forward calls or use it for other business apart from friends and family.

Tip #3: Organize Your Important Legal Documents

- Taking the time to gather all of your important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates and social security cards, will ensure that these documents do not end up in the wrong hands leading to identity theft. Moreover, placing these documents in a safe or fire-proof enclosure will ensure they are not damaged in the event of an unforeseen accident or disaster.

Tip #4: Check your accounts and bills only daily

- Checking up on your online banking accounts and bills each day will allow you to automatically safeguard yourself against fraudulent activity on your accounts. If an incident were to occur on an online account of yours, you will be in a position to immediately alert authorities or contact your banking institution so that the damages and losses are kept to a minimum.

Tip #5: Increase Cyber Security

- Safeguarding your computers at home and work are crucial to your over-all safety and livelihood. Utilizing anti-malware or anti-virus software along with a strong firewall on any computer that you use is important to limit intrusion or attacks from viruses, hacker attacks and other malware threats. Try to utilize a secure Wi-Fi if possible. If you must use a computer on a public Wi-Fi, it is best to double check your own security settings and firewall to limit remote access.