Identity Theft Protection
Identity theft protection is the newest concern among savvy computer users, and spyware is the new buzzword. Because of the huge increase in the amount of cyber criminals using spyware programs to steal sensitive information, the need to protect yourself from online identity theft is becoming a number one priority.
According to the latest study by the FTC, in 2005 the identities of over 8.3 million Americans were stolen. Most of these victims had no idea that it had even happened.
Although computer users have become much better at protecting themselves from potential threats coming from the internet, the public is only just now beginning to realize the threat posed by spyware programs. "Legitimate" spyware programs make it incredibly easy for even the novice internet hacker or cyber criminal to steal the identities of hapless victims around the globe. Because of this, identity theft protection methods such as the use of spyware removal software should be a basic routine for everyone.
Recently a couple in their mid twenties was arrested for allegedly stealing the identites and personal information of dozens of victims. Their program of choice was the spyware program Spector, which is a keylogger that is widely available to anyone for under $100. Spector is marketed as a way for businesses to keep tabs on lazy employees, for spouses suspicious of an affair, or for parents who want to keep an eye on the browsing habits of their children. However, according to Robert Graham of Atlanta-based Errata Security, 99% of the people who buy Spector do so in order to steal information.
Because spyware programs like Spector are keyloggers, they have the ability to log keystrokes of victims. If a victim types a password or account number into an online form, the keylogger records this information and passes it on to the cyber criminal even before the victim submits their information over the internet. Because of this, the encryption and security that most online banks and commerce websites is moot and does nothing to prevent this type of theft. This is because the security used by most banking and e-commerce sites simply prevent information from being "sniffed" as it is passed over the internet. This type of spyware does not even need the victim to send information over the internet in order to steal it.
Recent news articles about identity theft protection have raised awareness in the public eye, but many people have no idea about what steps to take to prevent themselves from becoming a victim of online identity theft. Shredding papers is not going to cut it anymore. Users must take steps to protect their computer from becoming infiltrated by spyware programs. Because spyware programs can install themselves without your consent or knowledge, it is not enough to just avoid opening email attachments. Spyware can infect your computer just by a simple website visit in what's now known as a "drive by installation."
The first step to take in order to engage in an active identity theft protection plan is to purchase a reputable spyware removal software program. Users should be wary of programs touting themselves as free, since there has been a recent rise in the amount of illegitimate spyware removal programs that actually install their own spyware.
Users should also be aware that even if they have an Anti-Virus program like Norton Anti-Virus or Symantec, they are not necessarily protected from spyware. This is because Spyware is different from viruses, and most Anti-Virus programs are not programmed to find Spyware. Many of the top-of-the-line Anti-Virus programs miss spyware programs in their scans.
We highly recommend ParetoLogic's line of spyware removal software, such as XoftSpySE, or AntiSpyware. They offer the ability to download their program and run a free scan before purchase in order to see if you actually have spyware to remove.
ParetoLogic's XoftSpySE recently won our Editor's Choice Award.
Click Here To Download XoftSpySE
Identity theft protection is becoming the most important step towards preventing cyber crimes.
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