15 Simple Tips to Protect Against Online Identity Theft

From the makers of 'Identity Finder', come the basics that everyone with a computer should know to protect themselves.and avoid joining the 26 million American victims whose identity was stolen in last three years!

NEW YORK, NY – September 5, 2007 – The black market trafficking of stolen electronic identities will increase to $1.6 billion in 2010. To help computer users protect their personal information and avoid identity fraud, Velosecure--the company behind Identity Finder, the most popular identity theft prevention software on the market today--offers 15 Tips that everyone can simply employ. Todd Feinman, CEO of Velosecure stresses, "Even with anti-virus or anti-spyware, you should never store unsecured personal information on your computer because there are so many ways for intruders to gain access to your data." To raise awareness, the company is sharing some very basic steps that anyone with a computer should take. yet often wouldn't know to do.

1. Always update Windows with the latest security fixes from Microsoft, don't keep clicking "Remind Me Later." Microsoft releases updates to fix known security problems that hackers are hard at work exploiting.
2. Always turn off file sharing when downloading music and videos. Many peer to peer file sharing programs allows strangers to access your computer files.
3. Always use a complex password, including mixed cases and seven characters to encrypt documents containing personal information you need. Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat have this capability.
4. Always use your wireless router's security features. Without security, Johnny Hacker connecting from across the street or in a downstairs apartment can easily access your computer and personal information.
5. Always make sure your laptop is with you at all times and don't leave it on the table at Starbucks while ordering.
6. Always shop on secured Websites from familiar companies you can trust.
7. Always look for the lock symbol in your browser's Status Bar or in the Address Bar to show you've got a secure connection when conducting online financial transactions. If it's not there, neither is any security!
8. Always check your credit report every quarter for free at annualcreditreport.com.
9. Never save passwords in web browsers on shared computers. Passwords can be viewed by other people on your computer in seconds.
10. Never e-mail or instant message personal information. Those communications are usually unsecured and can be listened in upon by other people.
11. Never sign up friends for internet deals. This could subject you and your friends to spam, viruses, and other malicious code.
12. Never use the same password across multiple websites. If your password is hacked at one site, it would be easy to try it with your username on many other sites.
13. Never scan your credit card, a check, your driver¹s license, or your signature and then send it to somebody. Those images are unsecure and can easily be used for fraud if they fall into the wrong hands.
14. Never enter personal information on public computers such as in a hotel, library, or at school. These systems may be infected with a virus or spyware capturing everything you type.
15. Never click any links in an email you receive saying there's a problem with your bank or other financial institution. Go to the bank's website and research the problem there (often, there won't be a problem!).

Because becoming a victim is so easy, Identity Finder hopes that sharing the basic tips above will educate as many people as possible on how to prevent identity theft.

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Veloscure has recently released Identity Finder ($39.95; www.identityfinder.com), unique software that searches through electronic data such as documents, spreadsheets, e-mails, instant messenger logs, web browsers, and the most hidden system areas of computers for personal details - such as social security numbers, passwords, credit card details and bank account numbers.

About:
Identity Finder is a division of Velosecure LLC, a leading niche innovator in the application of security and privacy technologies to the needs of individuals and businesses worldwide. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in New York City, the company specializes in developing software solutions that meet business and consumer needs. Feinman and Goldman are thought leaders in the security and privacy industry. Both are well published and have consulted with hundreds of clients to help manage their information technology risks.