People still fail to combat identity fraud and engage in risky on-line behaviour

(13/10/2008)

People are still failing to combat identity fraud, despite an increased risk and heightened fear among the public of the crime. This problem stems from people not only lacking a basic understanding about online security but also engaging in positively risky on-line behaviour.

David Porter, Head of Security and Risk at Detica, said: “There is only so much that experts and computer systems can do to prevent identity fraud. The final responsibility rests with the consumer. Identity fraud attacks succeed largely because of human fallibility; however there are simple steps that people can take to avoid being caught out by fraudsters.”

“In particular, people need to be more guarded about their behaviour online and be aware that personal information that they reveal about themselves, for example on social networking sites, can be accessed and used by fraudsters. Keeping a close eye on bank statements and regularly changing PINs and passwords is also vital.”

Research shows that identity fraud has now overtaken mugging, pick-pocketing and burglary to become the nation’s top safety fear. Furthermore, a recent report has highlighted that the credit crunch is leading to the increased risk that bank account holders will become victims of identity fraud. The All Party Parliamentary Group on ID cards found that fraudsters are finding it more difficult to use fake identities to open accounts and take out loans as credit dries up, which in turn is leading to an increase in identity fraud based on techniques such as phishing.

To raise awareness of these issues during National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, Detica has outlined a five-step action plan to once and for all help people safeguard against identity fraud.

1. Think before you tell the world your secrets
Cherished or memorable information about your life usually forms the basis of your passwords or PIN numbers, so think twice before freely disclosing details about your personal life, interests and hobbies to a global Internet audience.

2. Remember you cannot shred in cyberspace
Anything published online will exist in cyberspace for a very long time, in some cases forever, so consider this before disclosing any personal information on the Internet.

3. Be your own policeman
The best person for spotting irregularities in transactions or the way a service is used is you rather than the bank or the police, so regularly check your bank statements, bills and credit records.

4. Trust no-one
The Internet is totally anonymous, so adopt a “challenge, don’t trust” mentality for websites and emails. Update security settings on social networking sites so that only people you really know can see your details. And in the real world, never let your bank cards go out of your sight and destroy all bank card receipts.

5. Keep your passwords and PINs fresh
Create passwords that are extremely difficult, if not impossible, for others to guess — but easy for you to remember — and change them regularly. Avoid using the same passwords and PINs across websites, bank cards and other accounts.

Porter concludes: “Taking steps to prevent identity fraud is crucial to fighting this type of crime. However, prevention can only protect us so far. It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep our identities private, so the risk of fraud will always remain. Fraudsters are persistent and constantly adapting and innovating new ways to commit crime, so it is important for consumers to recognise how these people operate and to never let down their guard.”

Related topics:  Authentication and identity management   Computer and PC Security   Data management and data security   Internet and Web security   Virus, Worm, Email security, spyware and malware 

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