SECURITY experts at Trend Mircro have revealed how simple activities like using Wi-Fi or going on your favorite apps, can put you at risk.
In a blogpost about the dangers of identity theft, the experts revealed how scammers and hackers can steal your data.
The blog states: “Identity theft happens when a criminal gets their hands on enough of a victim’s personal info to be able to impersonate them.”
It goes on to explain how social media and unsecure Wi-Fi networks can lead to personal data leaks.
When it comes to Wi-Fi, you need to make sure you’re always using a secure network.
Don’t trust random public Wi-Fi networks unless you can confirm their legitimacy.
Hackers hope you use them without thinking and use banking apps or reveal personal information via your phone activity.
The experts write: “The data transmitted over unsecured Wi-Fi networks, such as login credentials and other sensitive information, can be captured by hackers.”
They also advise against oversharing on social media.
Sharing too much about yourself can give hackers the ammunition they need to takeover your accounts.
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Trend Micro said: “Unfortunately, many people overshare on social media, providing criminals with the opportunity to gather details about a person’s life, interests, and connections, which can aid in identity theft.”
Birthdays, pet names, your mother’s maiden name, and any other identifiers are worth keeping private.
It’s also important to avoid positing pictures of your address, banking information, and your Social Security Number.
Criminals might use these details to make purchases on your credit cards.
They could also get credit cards in your name or open other accounts.
One worst-case scenario is that a criminal who has stolen your identity pretends to be you if they get arrested.
