In recent years, smartphones and tablets have meant people perpetually are connected to the Internet and quickly respond to emails and text messages. Having a mobile device may make some tasks easier, but that on-the-go convenience comes with a higher risk for potential identity theft. Follow these tips to help guard yourself from identity theft:
• Check the full link to a Web page. Smaller screens on mobile devices mean it’s harder to tell if a Web page is legitimate at times since a spoofed link may start with a similar host name but have a different domain name.
• Do not provide your user name or password to any unsolicited email or text message claiming to come from a financial institution.
• Avoid sending private information with your device. If you must do so, use encryption when transmitting personal information. There are several apps available for Android and a few for iPhone. Don’t forget to check out the reviews of any app you choose before downloading it.
• Use caution when you get email from an unknown sender. Treat text messages the same way. Avoid responding to texts from numbers or people you don’t recognize. Avoid following links in text messages.
• Avoid free Wi-Fi and stick with trusted, secure networks. Even if a wireless network requires a password, it may not be a secure connection.
Source: Enterprise Information Technology Services
