Cynthia
Malicious access to personal data seems to flow in waves. Recently we have seen yet another series of hacking (or more accurately named cracking) events. Unfortunately, unauthorized access is one of the challenges of our Internet-based society. Most people are concerned about this type of activity when personal data is acquired.
Every element of information about ourselves and our lives is “out there” – and once posted your personal story will be on a server in perpetuity. The only safe electronic data, is stored on a computer that is turned off, unplugged, and disconnected from the Internet. The reality is that unauthorized access is a fact of digital life.
Some of the major financial institutions have recently experienced cyber attacks. Not long ago, TIAA, a major retirement fund, was hacked, as have some credit reporting agencies. What is an individual to do?
While we cannot prevent hacking, we can take precautionary steps to safeguard our data. For example, using anti-virus software on our computers and phones; ensuring we don’t click on any links we are not familiar with; never giving out personal information on the telephone, text messages, or email; and keep personal information only in trusted sites.
Financially, we can lock our credit accounts so that new accounts cannot be opened in our name with our identifying information, such as social security number, birthdate, address, and credit card or bank account numbers. Locking accounts is easy.
An individual can lock his/her account at no charge but may need to create an access account. This is different from a credit protection account which will cost a monthly fee. Credit protection accounts are beyond the scope of this post but may also be helpful. Credit protection accounts are available from several companies, in addition to the credit reporting agencies.
To lock your credit account, go to each of the three major credit reporting agencies websites. These agencies are Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
From the Experian home page (Experian.com) scroll to Freeze or Unfreeze your Experian Credit File. You will need to “Create a free account.”
On the Transunion home page (https://transunion.com) scroll to click on Credit Freeze & Unfreeze, Get Started, then Add a Freeze.
On the Equifax site (https://equifax.com) scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on Place or Manage a Freeze, and click on Place a Security Freeze.
From there on each of the sites, follow the prompts. You may have to create an account on each, but you do not have to sign up for their security service. You must freeze your account with each of the reporting agencies. Freezing your account on one site does not freeze your account on the others. Remember, also, that if you do freeze your account, no one can open new accounts with your PID (personal identifying data). To open a new bank account, credit card, or other credit account, you will need to unlock or unfreeze your accounts with the credit reporting agency your intended business uses.
All this sounds much more difficult than it is. You are just a few clicks away from protecting your data.
Silver Sage Sisters 