LifeLock Offers Simple Steps to Keep Your Identity Safe Online

June is Internet Safety Month and LifeLock warns consumers of risks in peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing services

Practicing simple identity theft protection steps such as shredding your mail and keeping careful tabs on your bank accounts and credit cards are essential first layers of protection against identity thieves. But there is an open door in many homes that is inviting criminals into personal information, and it is often left unprotected—the computer. June is Internet Safety Month, and in recognition LifeLock is encouraging consumers to add computer safety to their identity theft protection “to do” lists.

While technology has brought about many consumer conveniences, it has also led to more access for the technically savvy criminal. A recent study by online security provider Tiversa found more than 13 million online files have been breached over the last year, and peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing services seem to be a popular way for criminals to get in. A separate Tiversa study specifically focused on healthcare, done in collaboration with The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, found a multitude of sensitive files could be easily accessed through P2P services, including patient names, social security numbers and other records containing birth dates and addresses.

“The same conveniences that technology brings to the consumer it also gives to identity thieves,” said LifeLock CEO Todd Davis. “Consumers need to know that any time you put your information online, there is a risk that it could be exposed to criminals. That doesn’t mean that consumers should stop using these services, but it does mean that you should take precautions and continue to put layers of protection in place so you can minimize your risk to becoming a victim of identity theft.”

There are steps consumers can take to reduce their risk for identity theft through the use of P2P file sharing services. LifeLock offers the following online safety tips:
Install file-sharing software carefully, taking special note of default settings and permissions placed on shared folders.
Use security software and make sure you keep it up-to-date. You can set most anti-virus and anti-spyware protection programs to update automatically and regularly.
Be sure to close your connections when you are done with a file-sharing session. Closing the window doesn’t automatically close the connection, which could leave your computer’s information vulnerable.
Maintain backups of all important documents. This will ensure your information is maintained for your personal use should you need to delete it from your computer or any files.
Talk with your family about safe file-sharing practices, and create separate user accounts for others who may use your computer. By separating accounts you can prevent others from installing software on your computer that may expose your information.
Before providing personal information to your doctor, attorney, insurance company, employer or anyone else make sure to ask for details on how they will keep this data secure. For tips on what questions you need to be asking visit www.tiversa.com/justask

Identity theft is costing Americans more than $1.8 billion annually, according to the Federal Trade Commission, and the latest FTC reports show the number of identity theft complaints has grown by 80 percent since 2000. Among the forms of identity theft and fraud reported to the FTC in 2008 are credit card fraud, medical benefit fraud and falsified government or employment documents.

About LifeLock®

LifeLock (www.lifelock.com) is an industry leader in proactive identity theft protection. Since 2005, LifeLock has been providing consumers with the tools and confidence they need to help protect themselves when they have a good faith suspicion that they have been or are about to become a victim of identity theft. The company has a strong focus on educating consumers and working with law enforcement and elected officials to better understand the increasing threats of identity theft. A multiple award-winning organization, LifeLock has most recently been recognized by the American Business Awards as Best Overall Company and offering consumers the best new service (TrueAddress).

Contacts

LifeLock
Tami Nealy, 480-457-2127
Public Affairs Director
Tami.nealy {at} lifelock(.)com