Personal Identity Theft and 3 Ways to Keep Secure
Identity Theft and The Importance of Privacy
In Canada, personal identity is an important aspect of our lives. It allows us to access various services, obtain credit, and establish our legal presence in society.
However, with the increase in digital transactions and online activities, there are several best practices that we should follow to protect our personal identity.
In this blog, we will discuss identity theft, Wi-Fi best practices, securing physical mail, and securing personal credit scores.
Best Privacy Practices
Identity theft is a serious issue that occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to access your accounts or commit fraud. To protect yourself from identity theft, there are several best practices you can follow.
Firstly, never share your personal information with anyone unless you trust them.
Secondly, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to access sensitive information.
Thirdly, regularly monitor your personal mail, bank accounts and credit reports to ensure that there are no unauthorized transactions.
Fourthly, use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
WI-FI Best Privacy Practices
When it comes to Wi-Fi best practices, there are several things you should keep in mind.
Firstly, always use a secure and encrypted Wi-Fi network when accessing sensitive information online.
Secondly, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when accessing banking or other financial information.
Thirdly, keep your Wi-Fi network secure by changing the default password and using WPA2 encryption.
Fourthly, always ensure that your devices have up-to-date antivirus and malware protection.
Fifth, purchase a VPN. This allows you to search what you want to search without tracking. A VPN will mask your IP address and make it seem like the search request is coming from another computer IP.
This practice will become increasingly important due to anti-democratic actions like Canada’s Bill C-11, recently put into place against massive opposition by the Trudeau Liberals.
A VPN will allow you to search and find what you want, not what some authoritarian government would rather you see.
Personal Mail Privacy – 10 Best Practices
Securing your personal mail from identity theft is crucial for protecting your sensitive information. Here are some important steps you can take:
- Use a Secure Mailbox: Ensure that your mailbox is secure and cannot be easily accessed by unauthorized individuals. If you have a mailbox at your residence, seriously consider stopping any and all home delivery and instead using a lockable mailbox or a P.O. Box at the post office. Canada Post has parcel delivery options where you can have Amazon and others of their ilk deliver your parcels to the post office rather than to your doorstep.
- Opt for Paperless Statements: Whenever possible, choose to receive your bank statements, credit card statements, and other important documents electronically. This reduces the risk of sensitive information being intercepted from your physical mailbox.
- Shred Sensitive Documents: Shred any documents that contain personal information, such as bank statements, credit card statements, medical bills, or any other documents that may have sensitive details before disposing of them.
- Be Cautious with Mail Forwarding: If you are moving or changing your address, make sure to notify the postal service and other relevant institutions directly. Avoid using temporary mail forwarding services that may increase the risk of your mail being redirected to the wrong hands.
- Protect Your Mail Online: If you receive mail electronically, secure your email account by using a strong, unique password and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security. Regularly check your email for any suspicious activity.
- Safeguard Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account information via email. Legitimate organizations will typically provide a secure online portal or alternative methods for sharing such information.
- Use Encrypted Email Services: Consider using encrypted email services that provide end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the intended recipient can decrypt and read the contents of your email.
- Beware of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of phishing emails that try to trick you into revealing your personal information or login credentials. Look out for suspicious email addresses, grammatical errors, and requests for sensitive information. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or untrusted sources.
- Regularly Update and Secure Devices: Ensure that your computer, smartphone, and other devices used for accessing your email are protected with up-to-date antivirus software, security patches, and strong passwords. Enable device lock screens and biometric authentication methods, if available.
- Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it to your financial institution immediately.By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your personal mail being compromised and protect yourself against identity theft.
Credit Score Monitoring Services
Finally, securing personal credit scores is also important to protect your identity. You should regularly monitor your credit report and ensure that there are no errors or fraudulent activity. If you do notice any issues, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Additionally, you should avoid sharing your social insurance number unless it is necessary, and always ensure that any personal information is kept secure.
A personal credit score monthly reporting subscription is a service that provides you with regular updates on your credit score and credit report. This service allows you to monitor your credit score on a monthly basis and receive alerts if there are any significant changes or potential fraud.
With a personal credit score monthly reporting subscription, you will receive a detailed report of your credit score, which includes information such as your credit history, payment history, outstanding debts, and any inquiries into your credit report.
This report will help you understand your creditworthiness and identify any areas that need improvement.
In addition to the monthly credit score report, some subscription services also offer credit monitoring services, which will alert you if there are any significant changes to your credit report, such as a new account or a change in your credit limit. These alerts can help you detect potential fraud or identity theft early, which can help minimize the impact on your credit score.
To subscribe to a personal credit score monthly reporting service, you will typically need to provide your personal information, including your name, address, and social insurance number. You will also need to agree to the terms and conditions of the service, which may include a monthly fee.
Overall, a personal credit score monthly reporting subscription can be a valuable tool to help you monitor and manage your credit score. By staying on top of your credit score and report, you can take steps to improve your creditworthiness, protect yourself from fraud, and achieve your financial goals.
Conclusions and Further Thoughts
In conclusion, protecting your personal identity in Canada is essential in today’s digital age. By following these best practices, you can help prevent identity theft and ensure that your personal information is kept safe and secure. Remember to always be vigilant and cautious when it comes to sharing personal information, using Wi-Fi networks, securing physical mail, and monitoring your credit report.
Sincerely,
Michael
PS – One of my hobbies is blogging about mortgages, debt and government policy. During the day I’m a MORTGAGE BROKER in Kelowna, BC!
Check out the Huber Mortgage Home Buyers Guide HERE
