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The world of computers has offered many advantages to our world, but they also increase our own need to be sure we have personal data protection. Many of the companies that collect our own personal data have had been lax in their security in recent years that has allowed persons who do not need to know our personal data to know too much about us.
Even military records have had breaches of security that have allowed your personal data to fall into the hands of the wrong person. Banks, insurance companies and hospitals have all fallen prey to security breaches that allow your personal data to get into the hands of the wrong person.
When personal data is compromised, it makes it easy for your identity to be stolen. Identity thieves open credit card accounts using your good credit to get the things that they want with no intention of paying for them. Your only clue may be when bill collectors start calling about accounts that you never opened and never approved.
There are some things that you can do to protect your personal data, both on line and at home.
Never give personal information to anyone unless it is absolutely necessary. Protect your social security number. It should only be given to banks, employers and government offices when required. If the doctor's office asks for the social security number, ask them why it is needed. Stop carrying the social security card in your wallet or purse. Instead, keep it in a secure place where it is unlikely to be lost or stolen. Wallets and purses are too easily stolen or lost with this valuable piece of information.
You should also stop having your phone numbers and your driver's license numbers printed on your personal checks. While this was convenient a few years ago, it is no longer recommended. Today, you can protect your identity by keeping those numbers to yourself. In addition, you may also protect yourself from a forged check that will empty your bank account.
Buy a paper shredder and use it. Even junk mail and especially offers for credit cards or insurance should be shredded. If you are not going to use these applications, make sure that they are not usable for other persons.
Consider buying a locking mailbox. You will find many models available that allow your mail to be delivered in a safe and secure manner. You can use your key to retrieve your mail and protect your identity from mail thieves. Mail thieves target mailboxes to find personal information about you. If your box is overflowing with mail, it is an easy target.
If you will be out of town overnight, be sure that you have someone collect your mail. If you will be gone for some time, ask the post office to hold your mail until you return. If you are often out of town, a post office box may be your best solution. Mail delivered there is locked in a secure place until you remove it from the box.
Even military records have had breaches of security that have allowed your personal data to fall into the hands of the wrong person. Banks, insurance companies and hospitals have all fallen prey to security breaches that allow your personal data to get into the hands of the wrong person.
When personal data is compromised, it makes it easy for your identity to be stolen. Identity thieves open credit card accounts using your good credit to get the things that they want with no intention of paying for them. Your only clue may be when bill collectors start calling about accounts that you never opened and never approved.
There are some things that you can do to protect your personal data, both on line and at home.
Never give personal information to anyone unless it is absolutely necessary. Protect your social security number. It should only be given to banks, employers and government offices when required. If the doctor's office asks for the social security number, ask them why it is needed. Stop carrying the social security card in your wallet or purse. Instead, keep it in a secure place where it is unlikely to be lost or stolen. Wallets and purses are too easily stolen or lost with this valuable piece of information.
You should also stop having your phone numbers and your driver's license numbers printed on your personal checks. While this was convenient a few years ago, it is no longer recommended. Today, you can protect your identity by keeping those numbers to yourself. In addition, you may also protect yourself from a forged check that will empty your bank account.
Buy a paper shredder and use it. Even junk mail and especially offers for credit cards or insurance should be shredded. If you are not going to use these applications, make sure that they are not usable for other persons.
Consider buying a locking mailbox. You will find many models available that allow your mail to be delivered in a safe and secure manner. You can use your key to retrieve your mail and protect your identity from mail thieves. Mail thieves target mailboxes to find personal information about you. If your box is overflowing with mail, it is an easy target.
If you will be out of town overnight, be sure that you have someone collect your mail. If you will be gone for some time, ask the post office to hold your mail until you return. If you are often out of town, a post office box may be your best solution. Mail delivered there is locked in a secure place until you remove it from the box.
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Learn more about personal data protection Stop by Life Link Safe to see how The Safe will help you keep your life secure.
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