Identity theft is something that always scares me, I get so many phishing emails a day and am always warning my friends not to click on them. J wanted to share this ten point guide to protect online identity which was published by British Telecom

TEN-POINT GUIDE TO PROTECTING YOUR IDENTITY ONLINE

Never click on links in emails
Always type the web site (www) address for banks, financial institutions and retail sites into the browser address line or store them using the browser’s favorite’s function.

Never give any online security details to anyone unless it is completely necessary
Be particularly cautious if you share your accommodation with other people. Consider pass wording your computer to avoid unnecessary access.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is
Don’t open emails or go to sites that claim you have won a prize, unless you’ve entered a specific competition. If an email looks suspicious and is unsolicited delete it and don’t open it.

Question why a Web site is asking for information about you?
Think about whether it is somewhere or someone you want to give your details to. Only use secure web sites and also use common sense when it comes to phishing emails and web sites

Keep your wits about you at all times
Understand the risks and operate on the internet in the same way as you do in the offline world, with caution and appropriate skepticism. But do not be frightened; with simple precautions it is safe to use online banking and traders.

Look after your password
Change your passwords regularly and avoid standard passwords like family members’ names or dictionary words. When creating a password use a combination of letters, numbers and even special characters, like an exclamation mark when possible. This will make your password ‘strong’. Do not use the same password for every secure site you are registered with.

Keep up-to-date
Keep your security software (anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware and firewall), operating system and applications such as Microsoft Office up-to-date at all times.

Remove the spies
Check all files on every computer that is connected to the internet at least once a week using anti-spyware and adware applications.

Keep your connection secure
Make sure everyone who uses the computer understands the precautions they need to take when online. Do not leave your broadband connection switched on if you are not using it and if you use a wireless modem ensure you set it to use at least 128-bit encryption if you are registered for online banking.

Know where to go for help should you be a victim of online identity theft
There are wide range of organizations and groups that people can turn to for advice should they be the victim of online identity theft. These are outlined below, but include the police, industry bodies and suppliers of online services.

If you want to download the full ten point guide click here