Having your identity stolen is way beyond an inconvenience, the potential loses, liabilities, and the difficult time consuming efforts required to repair your identity is overwhelming. Many of us may know that it would be a terrible thing having your identity stolen, but other than being concerned not much action or changes are made.
What is interesting is that the identity theft resource center recently reported that 10,900,850 personal records have already been exposed this year through 383 security breaches. These breaches are not actual cases where the identity has been stolen, but rather cases when personal information is exposed and at risk of being seen by individuals who should not have access to the information. This information may be in an electronic format or paper files. Sensitive files like medical records and Social Security Numbers, driver’s licenses can all be used for stealing your identity.
If you could imagine the potential hardships you would endure if your personal information is used to get credit cards, redirecting mail, renting a car, even booking accommodations to mention a few possibilities. You could be liable for huge financial charges. Proving your identity was stolen takes a lot of time and effort. If you suspect anything regarding your identity being compromised report it immediately to police, cancel credit cards, notify your bank, and get a credit report. List everything that may be at risk including your license, social insurance number, telephone company etc. and contact them all immediately.
3 Key Places to Protect Your Information:
- Your Vehicle: Vehicles are easily broken into and thieves know all your hiding spots: sun visor, under the seat, and under the floor mat. They even know where you would hide a key outside your vehicle. Do not leave any personal information in your vehicle, this includes; insurance, license, ownership documents, as well as credit card statements, invoices or anything else that may be used to steal your identity. Vehicles are virtually impossible to secure and smash and grabs happen daily.
- Your Home: Homes get burglarized; ask yourself if any of your personal information would be at risk if your home was broken into. Not all thieves are looking for jewelry or your silverware. Computers and laptops are often stolen not only for their value, but for your information. Do not leave anything with your personal information lying around easily accessible to thieves. Other than locking up your information inside the home, security measures like alarm systems and security bars may need to be considered for additional security.
- Your Workplace: Businesses must use all means available to protect their assets and sensitive information; whether it is the company information, employee information or customer’s information. Securing the business with alarm systems, video surveillance, security gates, and access control card readers are helpful ways to start protecting any sensitive information.
7 Ways to Protect Your Identity
- Your most important personal information is your social security number; take all precautions to secure it.
- Get regular credit reports (at least annually).
- Check and review your banking or credit card statements carefully.
- Shred all documents which have any personal information on it before disposing.
- If you are getting rid of an old computer, destroy the hard drive (deleted files can be recovered).
- Change your online passwords frequently.
- Note that many store clerks look at signatures on credit cards, but instead of your signature, write on the back of your credit card “check my photo id”.
Security, whether it is personal, home, vehicle or business requires you to be diligent and without living in fear be aware of the potential risks. Crime is unpredictable but with knowledge and preventative measures you take will help to protect you.
Here at Quantum, we specialize in securing businesses of all sorts. If you’re looking for new ways to help protect your business, don’t forget to download our 10 Critical Points to Securing your Shop, your Employees, and your Goods.