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Protect your Identity with a Little Mindfulness

by Innov8tiv.com

For many people, their online presence is an important part of who they are. We all spend a lot of time online working, playing and socializing, but we have to be careful to protect our identity. Being mindful about what you do on the internet and being intentional about protecting your personal information may be the most important thing you do. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while online.

Utilize Resources

There are trustworthy resources out there to help you protect your identity online. For example, Lifelock with Norton will securely protect your identity and alert you of any possible threats. They have several different plans to choose from, but even at their most basic level, you will be protected and feel confident when online. Some features that the basic tier include are:

  • Real-time threat protection
  • Password manager
  • Smart firewall
  • 100% virus protection
  • Cloud backups

Norton and LifeLock have a reputation for being the best of the best in internet security, so many people are intimidated by their prices and assume they can’t afford quality protection. That is not the case. While there is a plan that is right for your budget, Norton and LifeLock want to help you save with coupons. By taking advantage of this offer, you can save an additional 25 percent off your first year.

Change Your Behavior

Now it’s time to take a look at your own use of the internet. Even the most conscious users can develop bad habits like using birthdays for passwords or sharing personal information in unsecure spaces. Sharing information beyond your preferred name in chat rooms or on customer service chat forums is never a safe idea. Giving out your full name, e-mail address, physical or mailing address, or phone number can easily lead people to finding out a lot about you.

For example, with just your state and your name, someone could potentially find your address and phone number. Criminals could use that information to find you in real life. Alternatively, if you put any private information onto a public computer, it’s that much easier for people to pull that information. In the same vein, using the internet at work for personal reasons opens you up to a bevvy of potential identity theft if your coworkers are lacking some integrity.

Beware of Scams

Being mindful of safety can be a struggle across the board. You can never be sure who you are talking to is in fact who you’re talking to. You can’t be sure that there isn’t someone waiting for you to share information they can use to harm you.

One example of this is phishing scams. Scammers will e-mail you with a product, an ask or a task in an attempt to get information from you. Cybercriminals can also hurt you by offering a product (such as a free gift card or phone) in return for information about you (like your bank account to send money or your credit card to pay for shipping).

Intentionality is a great way to be sure to protect your identity. Being intentional online about protecting your personal information and utilizing resources that will have your back is the easiest way to stay safe on the internet.

Online Actions and Real-World Consequences

Remember that what you do online can and will have real-world consequences. Too many people have been victimized by criminals online and have struggled to reclaim their identity. Protect your online presence and your offline life by being mindful about what you do online and who you share information with.

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