We know your social networking profile itself isn't going to steal your identity, but we must be mindful of who could, as all of our information is passing right through this giant communication portal. You are probably a member of more than one social networking site, and if not multiples, at least one of the big names. More than 60% of Americans report social networking use. With multiple different social networking sites existing, there are so many opportunities for a person's personal information to be stored, transmitted and spread throughout the internet.
From the applications hosted on the sites by advertisers, to the games we play, personal information is a big commodity in the advertising world, and advertising is what funds these sites to operate without cost to the user. If you have ever signed up for a free giveaway that required your address, or created a username and password for use on a game, or even just given your email address to be included in a sweepstakes you are a part of the information culture that is being targeted.
Though you may not be directly targeted, the companies who are gathering this information (as securely as possible) are certainly being targeted because they are a host to a wealth of personal information about so many users. It is no wonder that the differing forms of malware, cyber-attacks and hacking aimed at the users of and advertisers on social networking sites are on the rise. This is why enhanced identity theft protection is important - everyone wants a piece of the pie.
Information Sharing
Information is expensive, that is why everyone wants it from you. In all the time you have used social networking, how many times have you given out your personal information? My guess is that you have lost count. I'm sure you trust the sites you are giving your information to - I do too. The problem is if our trust is founded, hackers and those out to steal your identity know that we trust them; it makes these organizations and businesses an extra juicy target. It isn't that the groups who are being targeted aren't protecting your information - it is simply a matter of numbers. Eventually an unsuspecting employee will come into contact with something from the thieves that work.
What's the big deal?
So you think it is no big deal if your email address is stolen in an information raid online. Over time, we all get used to using our personal information online, and over time, that information accumulates. This time your email might have been hacked, next time it could be your credit card information as you are purchasing points for a farm game, and before you know it you're dealing with a stolen identity. Words of wisdom from Frank Abagnale who is reported to be the 'world's greatest con man-turned security consultant:
"Never state your date of birth and where you were born [on personal profiles], otherwise you are saying 'come and steal my identity.'"
95% of a certain huge social network's user profiles have an application associated with them that does not require review and in turn could be used for criminal purposes. Credit monitoring offers greater credit protection, because instead of waiting for something to happen you know right away when there are changes to your credit accounts. If you see a change that you know you didn't make, you can act to stop it before your hard earned dollars and your financial reputation are gone.
How do I protect myself without significant change?
No one is going to suggest that we all quit using something that has become so much a part of our culture. Social networking is here to stay. In this global culture that we have created, social networking is one of the best ways to stay connected with friends and family, no matter where they live. Thanks to social networking people are making connections with other people they may have never known before it came along. The benefits of using these services are many, so how do you stay protected and avoid social networking id theft?
- Regularly monitor your credit for any changes.
- Never give out your username and password.
- Check for the SSL encryption on your browser's navigation bar when paying with credit cards online (this is not guaranteed safety, just much harder to crack - keep monitoring those reports!)
- Remember that no social network is going to ask you for credit card or banking information to verify your identity, or keep your account open. This is why there is all that advertising on these sites as discussed earlier.
- Regularly monitor your credit.
That information may seem like a no brainer - but even though we know the facts, it is always a good idea to keep reminding ourselves of them. Monitoring your credit regularly is the best form of identity theft protection because identity theft is happening everywhere. Regularly (not just once a year) credit monitoring is your first line of defence.
What do you think about all the applications connected to social media sites? Do you regularly give personal information out? Do you monitor your credit to keep your social networking profile from stealing your identity?
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