Call Today

+1 440-322-ILER(4537)

}
Hours

Mon – Fri, 9am to 5pm

Tech Blog

your go-to resource for all things tech! Stay updated on the latest trends, industry insights, and expert tips to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology.

3 Ways You Are Unknowingly Rolling Out The Red Carpet For Identity Thieves

by | Jun 2, 2009

Warning! Even if you have anti-virus, spyware protection, and a firewall, you could still be an easy target for identity thieves, hackers and cyber criminals. Read on to find out how YOU are giving online criminals free access to your personal and financial information…

You’ve done all the right things. You’ve installed a good firewall, you keep your antivirus up to date, and you’re making sure you keep up with the latest security patches…so your computer network should be safe from identity thieves, right?

Wrong!

According to a recent study, 37% of electronic identity theft cases had one thing in common: they were caused by an action taken by the user. That’s right, more than a third of identity thefts were not thefts, but giveaways!

So how do you avoid this happening to you and your company?

No one is 100% safe, but the following 3 tips will stop you from accidentally giving online criminals access to your computer network and confidential information:

1. Never visit or download free music files, videos or programs from file-sharing sites such as Kazaa. Not only are you downloading stolen materials, but these sites are surefire ways to introduce worms and viruses to your computer. If you are a business owner, set up web filtering software to prevent employees from downloading any unauthorized programs or files.

2. Never respond to any e-mail from a bank, credit card company, PayPal or online store where items are purchased (such as eBay) asking you to verify your account information, no matter how credible or legitimate it looks. These are phishing scams set up to access your account information.

3. Ask for identification from anyone asking for physical access to electronic equipment, and instruct staff do so as well. Just to test a theory, I asked a friend to walk into an office, say they are from “the phone company” responding to a problem, and ask to see the network. Access was granted to a complete stranger 100% of the time.

Give Us A Call Or Visit Our Website To See How You Can Get A FREE Security Audit To Make Sure Your Company Is Protected!

Call:440-322-4537
Website: wwwiler.com/contacts 

3 Ways You Are Unknowingly Rolling Out The Red Carpet For Identity Thieves

Cyber Hygiene for Small Business: Why It’s No Longer Optional

Cyber hygiene for small business is no longer optional. Learn the essential steps to protect your data, reduce risk, and stay compliant in 2025.

3 Ways You Are Unknowingly Rolling Out The Red Carpet For Identity Thieves

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month – What Business Owners Must Do Now

Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025. Learn what this means for your business, the risks of staying on an unsupported system, and the best options to stay secure and compliant.

3 Ways You Are Unknowingly Rolling Out The Red Carpet For Identity Thieves

Legal IT Isn’t Just Tech Support—It’s Strategic Risk Management

If your IT only shows up when something breaks, you don’t have a strategy—you have a stress cycle. Let’s be honest. For too many firms, “IT” means fixing passwords, rebooting printers, and chasing down late software updates. It’s reactive. It’s frustrating. And it’s a...
3 Ways You Are Unknowingly Rolling Out The Red Carpet For Identity Thieves

Is Your Business Training AI How to Hack You?

Discover how your business may be training AI how to hack you. Learn the risks of public AI tools, how to protect sensitive data, and why small businesses need AI security policies.

3 Ways You Are Unknowingly Rolling Out The Red Carpet For Identity Thieves

Why Phishing Attacks Spike in August – Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats

Learn why phishing attacks spike in August and how to protect your business from cyber threats. Discover proven strategies to keep employees safe and data secure.