Protecting yourself from identity theft involves taking proactive steps to safeguard your personal information, both online and offline. Here are some key strategies:
1. Secure Your Personal Information
- Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords that are at least 12 characters long, combining upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessed information like birthdays or common words.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.
2. Be Cautious Online
- Avoid Phishing Scams: Be wary of emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal information. Verify the source before clicking on links or providing details. Phishing scams often appear as legitimate requests from banks or service providers.
- Use Secure Connections: When shopping or banking online, ensure the website is secure by looking for “https://”