Let’s review a few basics to help protect your accounts and identity from scammers and thieves.
1. Freeze your credit reports.
A credit freeze prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data in your credit files. To freeze your credit, you must contact each credit bureau individually. Innovis is a relative newcomer to credit reporting, so you may never be asked to lift its freeze. When granting a company access to a report, utilize the “temporary lift” feature, which unfreezes the requested report for only a few days before automatically refreezing it. The links below will help you navigate to the page where you can initiate a credit freeze at each company.
2. Freeze your Deposit Accounts report.
It is the same concept as above. Only this time, the frozen report will preclude a fraudster from opening a deposit account (checking, savings, etc.) in your name. Some do not participate, but this will prevent scams involving accounts in your name at most banks.
3. Never send personal identifying information over email.
When sharing sensitive data like your birthdate, social security number, or account number, opt for more secure methods of communication, like a phone call or vault service like your ShareFile account at Boston Standard. This best practice extends to the attachment of documents that include any of this information – like account statements.
4. Use multi-factor authentication whenever available.
Before you can access an online account, multi- or two-factor authentication requires that you validate your identity with a code provided via text, email, or app. This additional layer of protection will keep your account secure, even if your password is compromised.
5. Use a Password Manager.
Password managers create crazy-long passwords for your online accounts and help you keep track of them. There is a learning curve, but most data security professionals say they are worth it. These services can also help a family with continuity planning should something happen to the primary user of a shared account. Here’s Consumer Reports’ take on the best password managers.
6. Don’t click that link.
If the source of an email or the legitimacy of a website is in question, do not click on any links offered.
7. Keep your software up-to-date.
If your software or computer’s operating system requests an update, there’s an excellent chance it’s plugging a recently discovered security gap.
8. Pay for anti-virus software and a firewall to protect your home computer and mobile device.
9. Avoid Public Wi-Fi. Use your cell phone as a hotspot (with a complex password).
10. Consider using a VPN on your computer and mobile devices.
