3 Simple Ways to Protect Your Digital Identity
Experts believe that nearly 50 percent of Americans experienced identity theft in 2020. A combination of more time spent online, more activities moving to the web, including online banking, shopping, data storage, and more, as well as cybercriminals advancing their tactics means that your information is more at risk of theft on the internet than ever before.
Unless you plan to stay off the internet, taking measures to protect your online identity and your personal information is a must. If you're ready to take your web security to the next level, keep reading for a few simple tips you can put to work today.
1. Choose Secure Passwords
One of the simplest ways to protect your digital identity is to set stronger passwords and change them frequently. Never give in to the temptation of using passwords that are easy to remember or ones that you have used in the past or are currently using for other accounts and devices.
Instead, choose unique passwords, and aim to change them at least once every three months — more often if you suspect that your passwords may be compromised. Enabling two-factor authentification is another great way to keep your passwords secure and your devices or accounts safe.
2. Invest in Identity Theft Protection
While taking measures to protect your information on your own is important, even that may not be enough. Hacks and data leaks may expose your important personal information without you even knowing it. This is where professional identity theft protection comes in.
With identity theft protection from LifeLock, you can rest assured that you not only get alerts when your information has been compromised, but also have tools in your hands to help you protect your own information while scrolling the web. Direct security on the devices you use to access the internet and a dedicated VPN makes it easier than ever to surf the internet without worry. Check out the best LifeLock promo codes to start protecting your identity on the web.
3. Never Give Out Your Information Without Checking the Source
Whether you're shopping online, opening a digital bank account or applying for a loan, there's plenty of reasons why you might be asked to give your personal information away on the web. However, before you hand over your credit card number, Social Security number or even your name and address, make sure that you're checking the source and the measures they will take to protect your information once it's in their hands.
The best way to do this is by only giving out information to reputable companies that exist off the web as well. If you need to give your information to someone else, ask yourself whether they really need the info that you're providing. Ask about the measures they'll take to protect it and look around their website for an address and other information that you can verify on your own.
Protecting Your Digital Identity
Protecting your digital identity doesn't have to be confusing or even complicated. However, whether you plan to only casually scroll the web or love the convenience of shopping, banking and more online, it's an absolute must.
From choosing better passwords to being careful about who you give your information to and investing in professional identity protection, these tips can help you safeguard your identity on the web.
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Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.