Be a good digital citizen

                       Tips for protecting digital data

Digital privacy day,  it is observed each January 28 "It is an international effort to recognize the importance of protecting privacy, safeguarding data and establishing trust "this is according to the National Cyber Security Alliance . They encourage everyone to be a good digital citizen in the technology - rich society in which we live.

                      

                       How to Be a good digital citizen

A good digital citizen is someone who uses technology as it is intended and is proactive in the protection of their  privacy. You should also be protective of any personal or private data others may have entrusted to you and remain vigilant and proactive about protecting it.

                 Tips to practicing good digital citizenship

***Use social media cautiously.  Do not post anything that you want to keep private or will put your digital data in jeopardy.

***Make sure you use and update often your security and privacy options on any online account you may have.

  ***Turn off your computer when not in use if left on and connected to the Internet you give hackers access to install malware or commit other cyber crimes.

  ***Do not open an email or link if you do not know the person or company that is sending it to you. Also unless you know the person or company that you're communicating with under no circumstances give out personal information.

  ***Make sure that all devices such as the computer, smart phone or tablet have up-to-date virus protection. Make sure that all of your security software has the latest releases to protect you against any new threats to your digital data.

  ***You should have different passwords for your various accounts and you should change them regularly. Avoid using the common passwords such as birthdays, spouse's first name or street addresses. Make each one unique using uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols and they should be at least eight characters in length..

  ***When shopping online be sure to use sites that are familiar to you and you have used them in the past. If in doubt about the website contact the website owners and call them to verify that it is a legitimate site.

  ***If you come across a fraudulent website or any other type of  scam, report it to the authorities as everybody is responsible to do whatever they can to help in this assault on our privacy.

  By following these tips you should reduce your risk of having your privacy and personal information stolen. It is important that everyone take whatever steps necessary to protect themselves and others.

                                                         richardbentley.us

Identity theft prevention tips

Last week I wrote about security breaches at two major retailers. This week in the news it has come out that there could be many more retailers that were breached but have not announced it.

So you may be asking yourself what can I do to protect myself and minimize the risk of having my identity stolen. I will try today and in future  postings to give you tips on how to minimize the risk you have of your identity being stolen.

There are times to use your browser and there are times to use a search engine (i.e. Google, Yahoo, or Bing).

You should use your browser when you are searching for a specific website such as "www.annual credit report.com" these web addresses begin with a WWW or HTTPS:// and they generally end in.com.net or.org. By doing this you'll be taken directly to the website of your choice thus minimizing the risk of entering a bogus website.

A search engine should be used when you are seeking specific information on a general topic or something specific and you don't have a website.

So in closing it is very important to learn the difference between a browser and a search engine. You should always be very cautious before providing any website with your personal credit information and if it's a new website that you've never used before try and verify that you are on a legitimate website and not a bogus one put there to steal your identity.

Next week I'll be  providing tips for protecting your digital data.

                                                   richardbentley.us

                                                     

Identity theft

If you have been following the news this week you would have seen that two major retailers have had their computer systems hacked and well over 100 million people have had their credit card  information stolen.

You also heard the concerns about the security of the affordable care act. Millions of people are being asked to provide their most personal information and there are major concerns about the security of the program.

What is most disturbing about the thefts and concerns is the security of your information is out of your control. You could've taken the most stringent steps to protect your security and they still would have been stolen.

I believe that this points out the need for everyone to have identity theft protection so you will be notified if you are a victim of identity theft. This will give the security of knowing that if your identity is stolen you will be notified and you will have help restoring your credit standings. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America.


                                                                 richardbentley.us















                         richardbentley.us

Welcome

I would like to welcome you to my blog post. My goal for this blog is to provide timely information to my followers on how to protect themselves and their families in today's litigious society.I will be blogging about the nationwide epidemic identity theft and proving tips on how to protect yourself from being a victim. 

      

I welcome your comments and inputs of subjects you would like covered.

Richard Bentley

richardbentley.us