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Identity Theft & Fraud PreventionProtect Your Identity This Cybersecurity Awareness MonthWhen you log on to a website, make an online payment, send an email, use a social network, post online, or even send a text, you're adding to your online identity. In today’s world, it is unavoidable. The good news is there are ways you can protect yourself. When logging on to a website, look at the address bar on the browser. If you see a padlock icon on the left-hand side of the address, the site is using encryption and verification. Clicking on the padlock shows the site’s security certificate. Using only these types of sites ensures you are safely sharing your data. If you do not see the padlock icon, steer clear. Your data is vulnerable. When shopping online, visit only legitimate websites and use safe online payment options and digital wallets for a more secure checkout. Be wary of suspicious emails or texts and never give out information unless you are certain where it is going and how it will be used. Do not open suspicious attachments. If you suspect a piece of communication is malicious, call the sender or company directly instead of replying to the email or clicking on a potentially malicious link or attachment. Never throw away or give an unwanted device to someone else without factory resetting it and wiping all data from the device. Doxxing is when an unauthorized person or entity collects and publishes personal information including private photos, messages, or other personal data for the purpose of harassing the victim. This is a different kind of identity theft that can jeopardize your safety and right to privacy. Keep your social profiles private and only connect with people you know. Check your privacy settings periodically and disable location tracking for applications installed on your device. When using Wi-Fi in a public space, follow these safe use guidelines: You can further protect your online identity by practicing good cyber hygiene. Use multi-factor authentication. MFA requires multiple factors to verify a user’s identity, combining things you “know,” like a password or pin, with things you “have,” like a special code sent to your smartphone, or things you “are,” like a fingerprint or facial recognition technology. Reduce your digital footprint by deactivating/deleting old shopping, social media, and email accounts as well as unsubscribing from mailing lists that are no longer of interest. Though bad actors are serious about their business and constantly finding new ways to get personal data, you can reduce your odds that you will become one of their victims by maintaining your security awareness and cyber hygiene. If you believe you are a victim of fraud, please report it immediately by calling us at 608-786-0600.
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