Create a Plan to Protect Against Identity Theft

So you have finally received your new desktop or laptop computer, equipped with top-notch tools and features. You can’t wait to connect to the Internet and take full advantage of all the fantastic sites and offerings available—but hold on a second. An unprotected computer is an open door for hackers and phishers who want to steal your personal information or even your very identity.

Identity theft has impacted one household in four over the past five years, according to the American Banking Association. With a good suite of security software and the discipline to follow some basic guidelines, however, you can defend yourself. Start today by creating a comprehensive plan of action to reduce your risk. You must protect yourself both online and offline.

Offline

Analyze your current habits around the house
Begin by recognizing your habits and the everyday risks that could make you vulnerable to identity theft, and develop smarter routines. Identity thieves steal your personal information by taking bills and bank statements from your mailbox or garbage bin, diverting mail to another address, stealing paperwork, and using phone-based social engineering scams to trick you and your bank. You should be aware of your billing cycles and when bills should be received and shred all documents that contain any of your personal information.

You should refuse to give out personal information to companies unless you initiate the contact. Call your bank or creditor if you miss a monthly statement. Treat mail and trash carefully. Be wary when giving out personal information for promotional offers. Opt out of pre-approved credit cards by calling 888-5-OPT-OUT, and only carry the minimum personal information you need in your wallet—no Social Security card. Raise your family’s awareness of everyday risks and make adjustments.

Analyze your current habits around the house
You can get a free annual credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com, or by calling 877.322.8228. Check your report regularly to catch fraudulent accounts in time to file a report with creditors. The Federal Trade Commission provides additional prevention tips and resources, including how to handle creditors if you become a victim.

Online

Protecting your PC is crucial
The second part of your plan should focus on online protection. Risky Internet surfing, downloading, and transaction habits have helped identity theft to skyrocket. A fully protected computer is an absolute basic requirement. Using a piecemeal solution isn’t enough - there are too many malicious programs created every day.

Fortify your computer with strong firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, and privacy software. Then, sit down with your family and set rules for using the Internet and instant messaging. Write a contract that everyone signs. You can find contract examples at GetNetWise.org (see Tools for Families at http://www.getnetwise.org/tools/toolscontracts.php ).

It's imperative that your identity protection plan address these basic requirements:

• Invest in multi-layered security software for your computer. Don't settle for anything less than a comprehensive multi - layered solution that guards against viruses, spyware, adware, hackers, unwanted emails, phishing scams, and identity theft. Choose a major brand that you can trust to fit your specific needs. The McAfee® Product Advisor can help
  
  Every month, web users click on millions of potentially dangerous sites in search engine results alone. McAfee SiteAdvisor™ is an innovative enhancement that detects sites that push adware installations, online scams, and excessive email tactics.
• Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and web sites masquerading as legitimate businesses to lure unsuspecting users into revealing private account or login information. If you receive an email from a business that includes a link to its web site, do not click on the link. Delete the email
  
  If you must click though, first make sure the site is legitimate. Rather than clicking through to the site from within the email, open a separate web browser and visit the business directly. Also, verify that the email is legitimate by calling the business directly. Use a main phone number printed on your monthly statement, rather than a number from an email - which could be fraudulent.
• Secure your wireless network. You are at additional risk if you access the Internet from a Wi-Fi network. Since your wireless network’s radio waves travel through walls, a hacker with a simple antenna can attack you from hundreds of feet away. You need to have a solution that protects your Wi-FI network. Consider McAfee’s Wireless Protection
• Beware of free downloads, surveys, and online club registration. Warn your kids that many free downloads (such as games and wallpaper) include hidden spyware and adware programs. They can monitor your keystrokes, track your Internet logins, transmit confidential information, or redirect your browser to fraudulent sites
  
  Security software stops these programs from installing. Never install programs unless you are familiar with the web site and program, and have read the end user license agreement thoroughly. Tell your kids to “just say no” to freebies! Also warn them that companies gather and sell their personal information when they take surveys and register for online clubs. Always read privacy policies to make smart download decisions.
• Be careful when opening attachments, downloading files from friends and family, or accepting unknown emails. Your computer can get a virus, worm, or Trojan simply by opening email and attachments, and by accepting files from anyone—even people you know and trust. If you choose to download files, make sure your security software is enabled and pay close attention to any warnings provided. A strong anti-virus program is essential
• Limit your children's time online and ask them about their activities. Install software that allows you to monitor their usage, and filters or prevents them from accessing undesirable web sites and sharing personal information. Set browsing guidelines for your kids. The American Library Association posts a list of the "700 Great Sites for Children
  
  The Cyberangels site provides crucial chat room and instant messaging safety guidelines. Warn kids never to post information like last name, school, or favorite hangouts on a personal profile or blog, and always approve photos before your children post them. Be wary of excessive late night web usage. Communicate with your kids and stay involved.

You and your family can enjoy a worry-free online experience with McAfee Internet Security Suite, which provides effective protection against identity thieves, spammers, and predators; it also protects your computer against viruses, worms, spyware and hackers, and cool features to back up your treasured photos, music, and important files.

Or, get total peace of mind with the full McAfee Total Protection™ suite , which provides the most complete protection possible for surfing the web, online shopping and banking, email and instant messaging, and accessing the Internet wirelessly.

Identity theft may be on the rise, but you can avoid becoming a victim by keeping your computer security strong and up to date, and by making smart decisions about how you handle your personal information. The right tools are out there—take advantage of them and enjoy the Internet worry-free again.