Cybercrime is an issue we all face – young or old.  We must be vigilant and guard against crimes that try to gain access to our personal information.  Here are some tips for you to consider.

1. It’s a good idea to deal with the big players in banking, shopping, business and investing.  This often ensures your safest route when doing anything online.  The Banks and Insurance Companies have all stepped up their digital presence and now have integrated cyber task forces and strengthened security capabilities to protect themselves and their customer’s data.  Keep your operating systems up to date and always use a security software product that includes firewalls, antivirus, antispam and antispyware.
2. Protect your information and your identity.  Unless necessary, do not give out your social security number, personal identification numbers (PINs), or credit card numbers.
3. Use a different password or PIN for different accounts and change them frequently.  I know this is hard to keep track of and most people use the same password for everything – but please do not.  Try not to use birthdays, anniversary dates, seasons, calendar dates or even common phrases you use.
4. Don’t share your passwords with anyone and if you do have them all written down, do not have this list in your wallet.  Why not keep it in a place only you know about.  Examples: taped to the bottom of your bathroom weigh scale, a cookie jar, under an ornament or taped to the back of your dryer.  Be creative – just don’t forget where you put the list.
5. Avoid using public computers (in libraries and internet cafes).  It is also a good habit to delete your “cookies” periodically on your computer and always make sure your wireless connections at home are encrypted and password protected.
6. If you still write cheques: write your cheques with an ink that cannot be erased and never leave a payee space blank on the cheque or make it payable to “cash.”  Shred any cheques that you make a mistake on and don’t use.