Every day, we send and receive a large amount of information over the internet, including sensitive data that is highly coveted by hackers and whose theft can cause serious damage.
Many services are now accessible via the internet: banking services, administrative procedures, health services, etc. Given the large amount of sensitive information that passes through the web, the possibility of it being intercepted by hackers is a real risk.
The theft of your data can lead to identity theft, whose consequences can be detrimental.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft on the internet, which often follows the theft of personal data, is when someone uses this data to pretend to be you.
The thief can use it to obtain benefits, make purchases, carry out financial transactions, or even commit illegal acts in your name.
What types of data can be used for identity theft?
It is entirely possible for identity theft to be based on the simple use of your identification data (last name, first name, address, etc.). But very often, thieves also use real documents or personal data that have been stolen from the victim.
Identity or identification document (physical or digital): National identity card, passport, driver's license, residence permit, etc.
Financial data:credit cards, bank details, bank account details, checks, username and password for an online bank account, data associated with cryptocurrency wallets, etc.
Medical and social security data:Carte Vitale, social security number, mutual or supplementary health insurance information, login details for online medical services, etc.
General identification data:first and last name, postal address, telephone number, date and place of birth, etc.
Digital data:usernames and passwords for your online accounts (email, social networks, professional accounts, etc.), personal photos, etc.
What are the possible consequences of identity theft?
The possible harm varies greatly and depends on the type of data used to steal your identity.
Identity documents:An identity document is a cross-cutting document that can lead to any type of identity theft and therefore harm.
A fraudster can create any type of account in your name, open a telephone line (mobile or landline) in your name, commit fraud or swindle using your identity, etc.
Banking and financial data:Creating bank accounts in your name, money laundering, online purchases with your details, taking out a loan in your name without repaying it, etc.
Medical and social security data:Obtaining prescriptions and purchasing medication in your name, invasion of privacy if your medical records are accessed, fraud.
Digital data:usurpation of your social media profiles to commit crimes (harassment, incitement to violence, blackmail, fraud, etc.), creation of fake profiles with your identity and personal information, etc.
All crimes committed by a third party who usurps your identity affect you directly: damage to your image, loss of money, and even problems with the administration or the courts.
How to protect yourself from identity theft on the Internet?
Zero risk does not exist, but you can significantly reduce it by adopting the right reflexes. To avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, you must above all protect your personal data.
Protection against phishing:Phishing is one of the best weapons hackers use to get their hands on your personal data. To protect yourself:
- Be extra vigilant with every email you receive
- Check the sender's address carefully. If a company or institution is contacting you, the address must be professional, with an official domain name.
- Avoid clicking on links haphazardly.
- If you are redirected to a site, double-check that it is not a fake URL before entering any information (login, password, bank details, etc.).
- Check for the padlock in the address bar, which shows that the site is HTTPS, but this is far from being a complete guarantee.
Use a VPN and antivirus:VPNs are just as important as antivirus software these days. They protect your data on the internet through encryption. With a VPN, your personal data is unreadable when intercepted by hackers. But avoid free VPNs, which are not always credible.
Here are some other precautions to take to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft on the internet:
- Update your devices regularly
- Use complex and different passwords for each account or opt for a secure password manager
- If possible, watermark all documents you send online (signature, reason, etc.) to prevent them from being reused for other purposes
- Tear any paper containing sensitive data into small pieces before throwing them away (bank statements, copies of identity documents, pay slips, tax notices, etc.). Your information must be illegible.
By taking these precautions, you significantly reduce the risk of having your personal data stolen, resulting in identity theft and all that can result from it.
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