Author: Eva Velasquez

Cyber Security Training Just As Important at C-Level

The need for better online safety training to prevent data breaches is a hot topic right now. Coupled with stronger computer and network policies, companies want to prevent the hacking events that leave businesses susceptible to a data breach. While it’s no secret that employees in both the private sector and government service can unintentionally expose organizations to hackers, what is surprising is a report by Wombat Security that shows that 33% of CEOs fell for phishing attacks that led to network access. Why are they falling for this kind of internet activity?

E-filing: The Fastest and Safest Way to File Taxes?

E-filing your annual return to the IRS offers speed and convenience and when coupled with industry-approved software that can plug in the values for you, a lot of the headaches traditionally associated with doing your taxes are eliminated. However, there are some potential dangers that you should be aware of, such as insecure public WiFi networks and online tax fraud.

Identity Protection: 5 Tips to Stay Mobile Secure in 2015

Living a mobile lifestyle does not come without risk, especially where your identity is concerned. But staying mobile secure doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider this: 94.2% of identity victims say they are still highly engaged online and via their mobile devices despite having had their personally identifiable information stolen, according to a recent study from The Identity Theft Resource Center.

So how do we stay safe? Just follow these five tips!

Home Depot Hit by Data Thieves, Similar to Target Breach

Have you heard about the major Home Depot attack? Some say it could be one of the largest data breaches in history, even larger than the Target data breach last year. It speaks to a lack of awareness of security protocols — and has identity theft experts very worried.

Twitter Chat on Back-to-School Identity Protection

PRIVATE WiFi and the Identity Theft Resource Center will be hosting a Twitter chat on Thursday, September 4, at 2pm ET, to discuss the hidden dangers and the ways to prevent a personal data breach of your kids’ information. Keep reading to learn some of the most commonly asked questions about children’s identity security, and of course, please join us Thursday to answer any questions you may have.

Goodwill Data Breach: Even Charities Are Susceptible to Cyber Criminals

It’s believed that Goodwill stores in as many as 21 states may have been hacked for the credit card data of consumers who’ve shopped at the thrift stores. Some signs have led investigators to believe these cybercrimes may have begun as early as May of 2012. But what would make someone stoop so low as to attack a charity whose purpose is to restore a sense of pride in people who are in need, mostly by providing them with training and skills to find better jobs?

Rethinking the Security of Health and Fitness Apps

It might be hard to envision life before the convenience of portable devices emerged on the market. Providing everything from instant connectivity and access to information, tablets and smartphones can feel like we’re carrying a portable personal assistant everywhere we go.

But one trend emerging in the mobile device market does have its critics raising the alarm for personal security, and that’s the high numbers of consumers who use health and fitness apps. These apps, which track our healthy habits and exercise information, seem like a great way to foster a healthy lifestyle, but the reality has industry experts a little concerned.

Record Numbers of Medical Professionals Targeted in Tax Identity Theft

When most people think of identity theft, they probably think of having their credit card information stolen or an account opened in their names.

In reality, there are many types of identity theft as a result of a stolen Social Security number or someone fraudulently filing for your government disability, your health insurance benefits, and even your tax return.

The Heartbleed Calls That Never Came

On April 7, all of the daily email blasts we received had the same word in the subject line. That word was Heartbleed. Keep reading to learn how to take measures to protect yourself and your information because Heartbleed (whether everyone knows it or not) is a serious bug, but there are security steps you can take today. After all, a bug in your computer is not unlike a bug in your body, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Identity Theft Anyone? How the ITRC Call Center and Other Resources Help Victims In Need

The ITRC has been educating consumers about the real risk of identity theft since 1999. One of the notions that the general public has is that identity theft can’t or won’t happen to them. There are a variety of reasons that people will cite, such as “I don’t have good credit,” “my identity isn’t worth stealing,” and “I don’t make enough money to be an attractive target.” While these sound like logical reasons, the fact is that your identity can be valuable outside of just the financial realm.