Protecting Yourself

There are a number of things you can do to keep your personal data from falling into the wrong hands:

• Protect your Social Security number and personal identification numbers (PINs). Never give that information over the phone unless you initiate the call.

• Tear up or shred bank receipts, credit card offers, statements and other sensitive documents.

• Watch out for missing incoming mail, and don't mail important information from your home mailbox. Take it to a drop box or to the post office.

• Review your credit report annually for incorrect information.

• Use only secure sites on the Internet. Make sure your computer has both an anti-spyware protection program that detects and removes spyware and an anti-virus program. Keep both updated. Ensure your computer is up-to-date by installing protective patches, updates and security repairs from your operating system’s Web site.

• Be very protective of your personal and account information. There are criminals who try to trick you by creating false Web sites that look similar to real sites. The best way to know whom you are dealing with is to type the address in your browser address bar. Here’s additional information about online security.

Businesses should also take steps to ensure key information is secure, not only for their customers, but for their employees as well:

• Divide financial responsibilities among employees and regularly review account activity.

• Keep all personal information, check supplies and deposit slips in a locked file or secure location.

• Do not leave confidential information on cell phones, e-mail, pagers or voice mail.

• Use secure methods of disposing of personal information, such as using shredders.

• Upgrade computer systems regularly to ensure personal and confidential information is secure.

• Instruct staff on security procedures; adopt a written privacy/protection policy.