Online identity theft. How can we protect ourselves?

Personal data theft and leakage

What is Personal Information?

Personal information can be almost any information that is associated with an identifiable living individual.

Followings are the examples of personal information:

a person's name
a person's address, phone number or email address
a photograph of a person
a video recording of a person, for example, a recording of events in a classroom, at a train station, or at a family barbecue
a person's salary, bank account or financial details
details about a person's membership of professional or educational organizations

It can also include correspondence, audio recordings, images, as well.

What is Personal Information Data Leakage?

Any unintentional release of personal information to any third parties are identified as data leakage.Someone with malicious intention can take advantage of your information which can risk your safety and peace in everyday life.

How can My Personal Information be Stolen?

There are various ways by which your personal information can be stolen online. Here are some examples;

Malicious Programs (Malware)

There are countless malwares circulating online. It can sneak into your computer without your consent and steal your identity. It can come with attachment of daily emails. There are some cases of "spyware" sneaking in when you load even the most publicly recognized security software.

Other malware includes "Keylogger" which store what you have typed in, and "Trojan horse" that steal personal information. It is important that you are aware of the risk where all the malicious programs can enter, from emails, instant messenger, share files and even by browsing internet.

Phishing

You may receive false emails pretending from your contracted banks, online shopping, or auction page. Those emails contain URL links asking you to click and access to renew your current information. The linked page is designed to be identical to the official website of your contracted servicers, but designed only to steal your ID, password and critical financial information.

Data copy in Social Networking Sites

Someone with malicious intention can collect your personal information such as birthday, contact information, that can derive critical information such as IDs and passowords.

Be aware that all information publicly released in SNS can be seen not only by your friends and family, but also by complete strangers.

Importance of ID/Password Management

Don't let virus invade to your computer

Exterminate viruses and block unauthorize access to protect your personal information.

Educate yourself to understand dangers in cyber world. How should you be prepared?

[Tip 1] What is Computer Virus? Points to countermeasure.
[Tip 2] The number of SPAM and malicious emails are rising!
[Tip 3] Internet fraud is evolving. How does it work and how can we prevent?
[Tip 4] Online identity theft. How can we protect ourselves?
[Tip 5] Your PC could be the next target! What happens when you are hacked and how to prevent it.