Protect Your Identity
Protect Your Identity
Many types of organizations are interested in obtaining and using your personal information, and it's important to know what information is being collected, by whom and how it will be used. Websites track web users as they navigate cyberspace. Data may be collected about you as a result of many of your online activities.
The following tips should be used to help you manage your personal information wisely, to help minimize its misuse, and to lessen the risk of your personal information being compromised:
- Most legitimate websites include a privacy statement. This is usually a link at the bottom of the home page and details the type of personally identifiable information the site collects about its visitors, how the information is used-including with whom it may be shared-and how users can control the information that is gathered.
- When shopping online, guard the security of your transactions by ensuring the transaction is submitted securely.
- When submitting your purchase information, look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar to be sure your information is secure during transmission.
- Periodically check your Internet browser settings (e.g. Security and Privacy) to ensure that the settings are adequate for your level and type of Internet activity.
- Make sure you keep the anti-spyware or adware protection programs updated.
- Be sure to have a firewall installed and enabled on your computer.
For more information on protecting your identity, please visit:
- MS-ISAC Newsletter on Personal Privacy:
www.msisac.org/awareness/news/2008-09.cfm - FBI Information on Identity Theft:
www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/data/idt.shtm - US-CERT Cyber Security Tip: Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft:
www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST05-019.html - NCSA: Reporting Identity Theft:
www.staysafeonline.info/content/reporting-identity-theft - FTC - Identity Theft:
www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/data/idt.shtm - Consumer Action:
www.consumer-action.org - Electronic Privacy Information Center:
www.epic.org - Privacy Rights Clearinghouse:
www.privacyrights.org - World Privacy Forum:
www.worldprivacyforum.org - Free Annual Credit Report:
www.annualcreditreport.com - US-CERT Tips for Strong Passwords:
www.uscert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-002.html
Partnerships
Additional information and resources for educating citizens on cyber issues and implementing sound cyber security practices are available at the following websites:
OCTOBER IS CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH
Please visit the 2009 MS-ISAC October Cyber Security Awareness Month web page for more information!
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