Internet identity theft is a major malicious crime these days. Just like any product on the market, your identity can be copied and reproduced without your knowledge and permission. Identity theft has become so common that you would not know for sure if the person you are dealing with online is actually the real person with whom you will be doing business. This has become a huge and common issue over the years, and it's prevalence is becoming increasingly alarming.
Identity thieves evolve over time, they are growing more intelligent and sophisticated in the schemes that they use to steal your identity. You never know, that innocent-looking bystander behind you could be skimming over your shoulder, taking note of all the personal information you key into your laptop. Or, that friendly friend in Facebook is out to get precious information regarding you, for him to use as he destroys your financial status. Or it could be an obsessed ex-lover who poses as you online, creating mad havoc on your personal life, damaging your online reputation.
Internet is a playground as huge as the universe, wherein anonymity is sometimes the game that people play. Someone who has hatred for you can use multiple accounts in an online forum, bashing your internet name, making it look like several people are talking about you maliciously. Anyone can do this. Anyone can use your name online. And they can smash your internet reputation to smithereens without your knowledge.
There are also identity attackers who can grab your pictures online and use them maliciously. Thousands of people, especially celebrities are victims to this. These unscrupulous individuals can edit your picture and make it look like you were doing something terrible, even dirty.
There are various ways to destroy your online reputation and your internet identity. It is just like being mugged physically, stealing your wallet, your personal things and posting them online for people to see. The results can be severe, as it could affect your personal, financial and social status. This is all the more true when you are not even aware that your personal identity had been stolen and damaged.
If you are a novice online user, you could be unaware of this, but your computer stores a myriad of personal information in your hard drive. This info can also be stored in your internet browser cache, temporary internet files and also your search history. Of course, this is to make your browsing experience better, but these files contain vital information such as your email address, passwords, credit card numbers and other personal data.
There are two ways that your data can be stolen from your computer: first, your data transmission can be intercepted over a client that is not secured, or through the use of malicious programs designed to gather information and have them delivered to the hacker.
How does one avoid online identity theft? The first and foremost thing is to be aware and cautious. Only trust the people you know personally. Do not share your personal information with anyone online, even those you are in constant communication with, because you would never know if it is really your friend with whom you are chatting or emailing with.
You can also disable the cookie function which is automatically activated in your browser. This way, your username, password, credit card information and other personal data will not be saved in your hard drive. Make it a habit to frequently delete the cookie files from your Internet Options.
It is also best to clear out your temporary internet files folder and the cache, which holds sensitive information. This way, you will be able to limit possibility of a hacker getting it from your system.
You should also use a high-quality computer security programs such as the latest versions of antivirus and antispyware software to constantly protect your computer against malicious programs. Your computer has a firewall by default, which should always be on, however, if you feel that this is inadequate, you can use additional applications and software for your security.
The last, but definitely not the least, is to monitor your online reputation continuously. Keep in mind that if you can bash other people's name online, they can do it back to you. The power of online anonymity is endless, which is why online reports/websites are becoming popular and richer from the millions of complaints posted on them everyday, most of which are easily made up, and maliciously so. Keep your name and identity safe, and if possible, limit posting your real name online.
If you have been victimized by this already, take intelligent measures to combat personal attacks made against you. You can contact an expert in online reputation management who can track the malicious attackers and help repair your identity online. Just keep in mind that it is best to be aware of the different options available to you.
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