Raise your hand if you’ve had a friend hack your status. Now put both hands up if you’ve done it to someone else. It all seems like fun and games, until somebody gets their identity stolen. Don’t believe us? Take a look below:
Leaving your phone unlocked puts more than just your social media pages at risk. Many of us have apps for banking and shopping, or use iClouds to store important documents. Or, as you’ve just seen in the video, your passwords can also be uncovered.
It is important to pick and use passwords that do not include names of family members or pets, that are different from your email address, or that are an address or phone number. Most importantly, do not use “password” as your password. Really. We all know how hard it is to remember passwords so the urge to use the same password for every site is a strong one to overcome. However, it is in your best interest to create several different passwords. And no, putting a different number at the end of each one does not count.
You know that it’s important to use a password to log into a secure site or to log into your computer; it’s just as important to set a password (or passcode) for your phone. Most of us have apps where our passwords are saved, so instant access is granted through your phone just by clicking on the app. Not putting a lock on your phone gives anyone immediate access to your email, your contact information and the contact information for anyone you have saved to your phone, to all of your saved sites and preferences, and direct access to your finances through eWallet and/or PayPal. Stealing someone’s phone is just like stealing someone’s life.
Banks have made it very easy to check your account, pay your bills, and deposit money online or through your phone. Remember when using a public computer to clear the browser history after you have completed any personal banking. The sites themselves are secure, but if someone clicks on your past browser history or hits the back button enough times, they may be able to access your information. Make sure when deleting your browser history that you select passwords and autofill form data to delete. We know we’re asking a lot here. No one actually likes to type in their information. Google makes it easy to autofill your information, but it also makes it easy for anyone else to autofill your information.
eBills and eStatements are how the majority of companies prefer to do business. However, if you are one of the few out there who still receives paper statements, it is important to store and dispose of these documents appropriately. Don’t leave your bank statement on the coffee table when you’re having company over, never throw away un-opened mail, and shred all documents that refer to a current account, closed account, and/or a new account offer.
Now that you know the world is out to steal your identity (and your phone), password protect it! And contact us with any questions or for more information!