Do not trust anyone

Trust is a big word and a precisions item, but you tend to give it as a free gift to anyone who asks for it. If you think you don’t then ask again. How many times have you trusted the links shared by your friends without even questioning? I am not saying your friend wants to break into your PC or install a virus there. What I mean is that he may be as innocent as you are and end-up becoming victim of crooks. And what is the guarantee that the links your friend has mailed you is coming from him, and some virus is not doing its trick? Ask this question twice before you take your cursor to click on the link.

Click on anything that is clickable

You do not click just on the links shared by your friends, but most of the time you happen to click on links that says there are hot topless girls on the other side of the link. You also click links when the link promises to give you something really cool for FREE. Do not get cheated. Apply your discretionary power to judge if the link is a phishing attempt or what.

Downloading whatever there is to download

This is another mistake that you commit. Do not download anything from the places you do not trust. If something is featured on lifehacker, filehippo, or Cnet, etc., then it could be trusted, but not every site that offer freeware applications can be trusted.

And even if you download your software from a trusted source, scan it through a virus scanner and a spyware scanner like super antispyware. If you are still not sure then upload the file onto VirusTotal.com. They will scan your file using 40 antivirus programs, and it is free to use.

Follow these tips religiously and you will never be sorry that you tried it.

One of the most common methods is to use your old computer against you.  Many people don’t realize that even if you delete the files on your hard drive, most of the information can be recovered.  So when you throw away your old computer, or donate it to someone else, most of the info is till there.  That means stored information and passwords.  A thief can pick these up pretty easily.

You should always destroy an old hard drive, to keep yourself completely safe.  That’s really the only way to make sure the information is gone.  Otherwise you run the risk of someone else using your information against you.

Another mistake many make, is to just throw away documents.  Old bills, bank statements, etc.  They don’t realize that these provide all the information an identity thief needs to assume your identity.  Anything with your name and address needs to be shredded.  So a document shredder is an important addition to every home.  Or if you don’t have one, tear up the documents yourself.  But make sure to make the effort, or else an ID thief could have an easy pay day at your expense.

Pay attention to what information you freely give when people are in close proximity to you.  A mistake many make is filling out forms publicly, or giving out social security numbers where others can see or hear.  You have to guard that information.  So make sure any personal forms you’re filling out in public are covered up as you complete them.  Don’t talk about your personal information when others are within earshot.  You can’t know who is listening.  Additionally, Clear browser cookies afterwards to avoid third party tracking. Reputation.com and similar services can automatically do this for you. A mistake many make is filling out forms publicly, or giving out social security numbers where others can see or hear. You have to guard all of your information.