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

5 Time-Saving Business Habits That Keep Your Business Productive

The best time-saving business habits aren’t complicated productivity hacks. They’re simple routines that reduce interruptions, prevent problems and keep your employees focused on getting work done.

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

Q4 IT Checklist for Small Businesses: Get Ready Before the Year-End Rush

A Q4 IT checklist for small businesses can help you identify technology, cybersecurity, backup and budgeting issues before they become year-end emergencies.

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

Business Continuity Planning: The 15-Minute Meeting Every Leadership Team Should Have

Business continuity planning starts with the right questions. Use this 15-minute leadership meeting to uncover risks before a disruption occurs.

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

What Should Managed IT for Manufacturers Include?

Managed IT for manufacturers should protect more than office computers. Learn what your provider should cover across cybersecurity, networks, OT, backups, ERP, and support.

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

What Should Managed IT for a Law Firm Include?

Managed IT for a law firm should include more than help desk support. Learn what security, backup, monitoring, planning, and legal technology support should cover.