10 Tips for Protecting Your Identity Online

10 tips for protecting your identity online

Identity theft can happen when someone uses your personal information without permission. That information may include your name, Social Security number, account login, credit card number or other details that help prove who you are. As more of daily life happens online, fraud attempts can show up in more places, including email, text messages, phone calls, social media, online marketplaces, QR codes and even AI-generated voice or video messages.

That doesn’t mean you need to feel overwhelmed. A few steady habits can help you slow down, spot red flags and protect your information before it gets into the wrong hands. Use these tips to stay safer online.

1. Limit what you share on social media
   Scammers can use public posts to answer security questions, guess passwords or make impersonation attempts feel more believable. Review your profiles and remove details you would not want a stranger to know, such as your full birth date, address, school names, pet names or travel plans.
   
   Be careful with quizzes, games and posts that ask for personal details. They may seem harmless, but they can give fraudsters useful clues.
2. Use strong, unique passwords or passphrases
   Your login credentials are one of your first lines of defense. Use a different password or passphrase for each account, and make it long, memorable and hard to guess. A password manager can help you store credentials securely and avoid reusing the same password across multiple accounts.
   
   Never share your password, passphrase or verification code with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
3. Turn on multi-factor authentication
   Multi-factor authentication adds another step to confirm it is really you signing in. This extra layer can help protect your accounts if a password is stolen.
   
   Whenever possible, use an authenticator app, passkey or security key instead of text-message codes. If you receive a sign-in prompt you did not request, do not approve it. Change your password and review your account activity.
4. Slow down before you click
   Phishing attempts are no longer limited to emails with obvious spelling errors. Scammers may send polished messages by email, text, social media direct message or QR code to trick you into clicking a link, opening an attachment or sharing personal data.
   
   Before you respond, look closely at the sender, the link destination and the request. If the message feels urgent, unexpected or out of character, pause and contact the company or person through a trusted website, app or phone number you already know.
5. Watch for AI-enabled impersonation scams
   Artificial intelligence can make fake messages, voice calls and videos sound more realistic. A scammer may pretend to be a family member, company representative, government agency or financial institution and pressure you to act quickly.
   
   If a call, voicemail or video message asks for money, account access, gift cards, cryptocurrency or private data, verify it through a separate channel you can trust. Consider creating a family verification phrase for emergency requests.
6. Keep devices and apps updated
   Software updates often include security fixes that help close the door on cybercriminals. Turn on automatic updates when possible, and download updates only from verified app stores or official websites.
   
   Pay close attention to updates for operating systems, web browsers, antivirus software, financial apps and mobile applications you use often.
7. Use secure connections
   Avoid entering sensitive information while using public Wi-Fi unless you are connected through a secure personal hotspot or trusted virtual private network. Public networks can make it easier for bad actors to intercept information.
   When visiting a website, look for HTTPS in the address. While HTTPS does not guarantee a site is legitimate, a missing secure connection is a reason to be cautious.
8. Protect your phone, tablet and computer
   Your devices may store email, photos, financial apps and account access. Use a passcode, fingerprint or facial recognition to lock them. Turn on remote find features so you can locate a missing device, and know how to remotely erase it if needed.
   
   If your device is lost or stolen, act quickly. Change important passwords, contact your financial institutions if they may be affected and review recent activity.
9. Monitor your financial accounts and credit
   Review bank and credit card activity, statements and alerts regularly so you can catch unusual activity early. Many financial institutions and credit card companies allow you to set up purchase alerts, freeze cards or lock accounts from an app. Look into whether your institution offers its own account protection. Some banks and credit card companies will reach out to you proactively if they suspect some kind of fraudulent activity.
   
   
10. Know what to do if identity theft happens
    If you see signs of identity theft, take action right away. Contact the companies where fraud occurred, change affected passwords, report unauthorized transactions and document what happened.
    
    You can also report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov and get a personalized recovery plan. If your credit is affected, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze and continue monitoring your reports.

These 10 tips are a good starting point for protecting your personal data and your credit score. If you’ve been the victim of identity theft, take a look at four habits that may help you improve your credit health.

By Kelly Schaefer Hill, GM Financial

Soccer mom, corgi enthusiast, virtual learning teacher’s assistant, Kelly Schaefer Hill wears a lot of hats, but one thing she can’t stay away from is data and fun facts. When she’s not writing a post to answer your questions, she’s hanging with her family.