Offline Data Security - A Very Good Place to Start

Offline Data Security - A Very Good Place to Start

What's the issue?
All the buzz these days in computer security is about protecting your digital data (computer-generated data) from hackers, which is a very important concern. But confidential digital data that can be exploited online (on the Internet) can actually originate offline. 

Why care?
It can be even easier for a criminal to steal your confidential information offline instead of trying online, and then use that info online to cause you much grief.

Take the contents of your wallet for example. Your identity and your financial assets can be exploited by a crook who obtains the items in your wallet--namely, your drivers license, bank and credit cards, membership cards--then finds a buyer for these items on the Internet. (There is a thriving online market to exploit these assets.)

With the info on your precious plastic cards a cyber (computer) criminal can open new accounts in your name, make purchases, and impersonate you. Depending on the creativity of the cyber thief you could be in for a long struggle to mitigate damage to your identify, reputation, and/or finances.

How to protect yourself?
A good habit is to take stock of the confidential items in your wallet. Photocopy and/or write down all pertinent information on the front and back of each card. Then store this record in your home safe. In the event your wallet goes missing you can refer to this record to notify the appropriate institutions and authorities immediately to stymie criminal activity. 

Also, the fewer items in your wallet the better. And don't carry your Social Security card, account numbers, or passwords in your wallet. Let’s not give the bad guys extra ammunition.

When should you do it?
A monthly check and update of your wallet's contents is best. After you first make the record it only takes about five minutes to note what's been added or removed from your wallet. When done, put the record back in your safe.

Where can you find more info on this topic?
The Better Business Bureau of Hawaii website has some good tips about identity and financial theft. Click here to learn more.

Who can help?
If you are elderly, ask a trusted friend or family member to assist. Seniors are frequently the victims of identity theft and financial scams. You can also ask your bank and credit card companies how they can help protect you in the event of theft.

In Sum
The bottom line is to be wary of theft in the offline and online world, and minimize our information exposure so cyber criminals can't use the latest tricks to their advantage and our anguish.

Thanks for reading. You're feedback is appreciated!

Aloha, Sam

P.S. You can subscribe to emailed computer tips by visiting www.kokuadigital.com and entering your name, email, and "add to email" in the request form.