In an era where everyone shares, stores, and uses personal data extensively online, the threat of identity theft has shifted from the occasional scare to a very real concern for people of all ages. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly bold, using deceptive tactics that many people on the internet are unaware of. Whether these criminals employ sophisticated software exploits or simple human error, the stakes are high when it comes to protecting your personal information.
Knowledge and vigilance are the best ways to protect yourself against ever-evolving cyber threats. Learn more about the common causes of identity theft in the digital age and see how you can keep yourself and your information safe online.
Social Engineering
Social engineering is the act of manipulating others into performing actions that put their data and privacy at risk, such as clicking on malicious links or giving away sensitive account information. Scammers use various techniques to trick people online, like pretending to be a trustworthy source or appealing to the emotions or curiosity of their victims.
Be wary of unsolicited emails or calls requesting personal information, even if they seem to come from reputable or familiar sources, such as colleagues or bank representatives. Legitimate organizations will rarely ask for sensitive details over the phone or through unsecured email channels.
Public Wi-Fi and Security
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they’re often unsecured, making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept your data. That’s why avoiding public networks is one of the best ways to avoid online tracking and protect your personal information. When you do browse in public, take care to avoid any websites that require logins or sensitive data, such as bank accounts or business networks. You can also use a virtual private network to create a secure connection wherever you go.
Careless Use of Social Media
Using sites like Facebook and Instagram responsibly might seem like common sense, but social media posts are among the most common causes of identity theft in the digital age. You don’t have to lay all your information out clearly for scammers to find it and use it.
For example, have you ever seen social media trends where people reshare a post and answer fun questions about themselves, such as their favorite color or the year they were born? Information like that commonly shows up in passwords or security questions.
Malicious parties can learn a lot from seemingly harmless information, so take extra care in what you share about yourself online. Pay attention to your privacy settings—especially when websites update or change their terms of service—and make sure you know exactly who can see your posts, photos, connections, and other information.