Tag Archives: identity theft
Beware! You Are Taking Identity Theft Security Risks On Your Pc
Malware identity theft is a problem for a lot of people in this world who use their computer. Maybe 90% of computer users have regular internet access. Their are also many jobs where it is a necessity. There are a myriad of causes that begin to slow down your computer or even cause it to begin spouting error messages at you, failing to open things you normally use and in some cases causing complete software/hardware failures.
In general accessing the internet is one of the most consistent causes as spyware/adware and malware sneaks onto your improperly protected pc. Another main culprit for your pc slowing down or having problems is the windows registry (a library of shared files for running multiple applications at the same time). The final main culprit is bad software such as free-wares. Most (but not all) freeware programs are free for a reason. It is not necessarily because they are poor programs.
I have used some outstanding freeware in the past, but they almost all contain some form of spyware/adware or even worse malware such as viruses. When you download freeware – even well known programs, you are taking a huge gamble. The problems may not even occur whilst you are using the program (aside from pop-up ad’s), but when you try to uninstall the software, it will often take out some important shared files from the registry because it has been designed poorly just to get the malware onto your pc.
A very common way you can tell if you have a potential malware on your pc is to look for that program in the windows control panel section. Go to add/remove programs – if the program isn’t there it is most likely malware. There are cases where it not, but it usually is. The last thing the program creator wants is for you to be able to easily uninstall their malware! Under these circumstances you will have to go into your program files, find the right folder and use the uninstaller supplied. Even with this method you cannot be sure that the uninstaller has removed everything, nor can you be sure that it hasn’t damaged important files.
MALWARE HELP.
The problem with malware is that it is extremely sophisticated and can “piggy-back” onto your computer just while you are viewing a web page that contains it. You must never underestimate how serious of a threat malware can be to your security, one of these programs could easily be logging you credit details or log-ins as you type them into websites. Identity theft and fraud are on a massive increase through the use of the internet. The biggest problem you’ll find when you do realise that you must have better protection against these attacks is; choosing the right programs to protect your privacy. There are many “fake” or “less than adequate” programs out there and it is very easy to get ripped off.
Beware! You Are Taking Identity Theft Security Risks On Your Pc
Malware identity theft is a problem for a lot of people in this world who use their computer. Maybe 90% of computer users have regular internet access. Their are also many jobs where it is a necessity. There are a myriad of causes that begin to slow down your computer or even cause it to begin spouting error messages at you, failing to open things you normally use and in some cases causing complete software/hardware failures.
In general accessing the internet is one of the most consistent causes as spyware/adware and malware sneaks onto your improperly protected pc. Another main culprit for your pc slowing down or having problems is the windows registry (a library of shared files for running multiple applications at the same time). The final main culprit is bad software such as free-wares. Most (but not all) freeware programs are free for a reason. It is not necessarily because they are poor programs.
I have used some outstanding freeware in the past, but they almost all contain some form of spyware/adware or even worse malware such as viruses. When you download freeware – even well known programs, you are taking a huge gamble. The problems may not even occur whilst you are using the program (aside from pop-up ad’s), but when you try to uninstall the software, it will often take out some important shared files from the registry because it has been designed poorly just to get the malware onto your pc.
A very common way you can tell if you have a potential malware on your pc is to look for that program in the windows control panel section. Go to add/remove programs – if the program isn’t there it is most likely malware. There are cases where it not, but it usually is. The last thing the program creator wants is for you to be able to easily uninstall their malware! Under these circumstances you will have to go into your program files, find the right folder and use the uninstaller supplied. Even with this method you cannot be sure that the uninstaller has removed everything, nor can you be sure that it hasn’t damaged important files.
MALWARE HELP.
The problem with malware is that it is extremely sophisticated and can “piggy-back” onto your computer just while you are viewing a web page that contains it. You must never underestimate how serious of a threat malware can be to your security, one of these programs could easily be logging you credit details or log-ins as you type them into websites. Identity theft and fraud are on a massive increase through the use of the internet. The biggest problem you’ll find when you do realise that you must have better protection against these attacks is; choosing the right programs to protect your privacy. There are many “fake” or “less than adequate” programs out there and it is very easy to get ripped off.
Who is Phishing for Your Information?
Theres a new type of internet piracy called “phishing” (pronounced “fishing”). Internet identity thieves are “fishing” for your personal information. Theyre looking for ways to trick you into giving out your Social Security Number, credit card number and other personal information that they can use to their advantage. You could become a victim of identity theft and it could take years to clear your financial history and personal reputation. But understanding how these internet thieves work, will help you to protect yourself from having your identity stolen.
How do these thieves get your information?
Typically, you might receive an email from a company that you are familiar with that looks “real”. It has the company logo and they may call you by name; additionally, the tone of the email appears that the organization is looking out for your best interests. This email will warn you of some imminent danger to your account or credit card and that you need to take action immediately or you will suffer dire consequences (id fraud, or credit card fraud). There will be a link (underlined writing usually in blue) for you to click on that will take you to their website. And guess what? The website they take you to will look exactly like the organizations home page.
Next, you will be asked to “verify” your account, password, or credit card information. If you ever find yourself here, STOP! Do nothing. Do not fill in any personal information. Immediately exit from this website and delete the phony email that you received. This is how many become victims of identity theft.
How to know that this is a “phishing” email.
If you did not email this company asking for information about your account or for help with a problem, be suspicious. If you are still not sure because it looks so “real”, call the company yourself and ask. You can find these phone numbers on your monthly statement. If it is after hours and no one is there to take your call, wait until the next day. Dont fall for the “imminent danger” message and feel that you have to take action immediately. “Phishers” are hoping that you will take immediate action dont panic and let them trick you into clicking on their link.
What can you do?
Never give out your password over the internet or phone when it is an unsolicited request. Your credit card company knows your login information as well as your credit card number. They dont need to ask you for it.
Likewise, your bank knows your account number and social security number; they will not ask you to repeat it verbally over the phone.
Review all of your monthly statements as soon as they arrive. Check for unauthorized charges.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity theft contact M&T Management. Let a professional help you with identity restoration services.