Easy Resolutions for a Safe New Year.

Easy Resolutions for a Safe New Year

With someone becoming a victim of identity theft every two seconds,1 protecting your identity could be at the top of your list for New Year’s resolutions.

With someone becoming a victim of identity theft every two seconds,¹ protecting your identity could be at the top of your list for New Year’s resolutions.  Passwords can be easily compromised if they are simple and standard, like “123456” or include “password” and “admin.”  Whether you think your passwords were stolen or not, consider changing them often to protect yourself from new data breaches that may come in the new year.

Steps to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Identity theft can happen, and the need to protect your information is crucial.  Here are some tips for a safer holiday season and a Happy New Year.

  1. Clean out your wallet. A full wallet can be an identity thief’s dream come true: an all-access pass to your information and money.  Clean out your wallet of anything you do not need when heading out for your holiday shopping, like social security cards, passwords, and other private information.
  2. Change passwords regularly.  If you use only one password and someone gets a hold of it, they can access everything.  Consider using a different password for each account, login, etc.  Use more complicated passwords than ones that can easily be linked to you, like a maiden name or birthday.
  3. Change social media settings.  If you have sensitive information online (e.g. actual birthday and/or address), either remove it or change your privacy level so only people you know and trust can see your information.
  4. Update software and browser versions.  Keep up with your antivirus software and software updates.  Not updating your computer software can give fraudsters easier access to your computer and private information.

If you have more questions about possible ways to protect your identity or you think you may be a victim of identity theft, talk to an MSA Money Coach at 888-724-2326.

¹“A New Identity Fraud Victim Every Two Seconds in 2013 According to Latest Javelin Strategy & Research Study.”  javelinstrategy.com.  San Francisco:  Javelin Strategy & Research, 5 Feb. 2014.  Web.  25 Nov. 2014.