Simplify Your Life, Secure Your Lifestyle
Computers, the Internet, and other great technologies have become a wonderful way to do more with less time. We send letters, pay bills, plan vacations, file tax returns, chat, and even share pictures - - all from our computers.
With the increasing role technology has in everyday life, we have become bombarded with complex solutions. Solutions that were supposed to simplify our lives.
How frustrated do you get when your computer starts acting up, slows to a crawl, or crashes altogether?
What happens when you find out your identity has been stolen online? That your life savings has vanished to some bank account overseas? Or that some Internet predator is tracking your every move?
Suddenly, what was meant to simplify things has become complex and worrisome. To simplify your life and make the most of your valuable time, you must make sure your computer is maintained properly and that you are well protected from the online criminal world.
We at Day-Webdesign is focused on helping you simplify your life by taking a look at what it takes to make your computer hassle-free, safe, and fun again.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is the wrongful taking of someone else's "real world" identity for the purpose of committing fraud. Typically the thief gets their hands on enough information to pretend to be someone else. The thief may open up fraudulent credit card accounts, apply for loans, or try to secure other property using the stolen identity. Some may even go as far as using your name to land a job and stick you with the taxes from the I.R.S. Perhaps the scariest aspect is that you could actually be arrested for a crime that someone else committed while using your identity.
Identity Theft and Spyware
Obviously one of the latest and most dangerous threats to privacy in the digital age lies at the doorstep of spyware. Spyware can be used to surreptitiously gather all types of confidential information and in most cases the user has no idea the information is being taken. This form of "snoopware " lets the spy access everything you do online including usernames, passwords, online shopping purchases and e-mail or chat correspondence. In the hands of an identity thief this type of information is a deadly treasure trove.
Many of today's most popular spyware applications promise the ability to execute via "remote installation ". Remote installation is the ability to put a spyware program on a computer without having physical access to the machine. Obviously this is crossing a thin line into illegal behavior and this type of software should be classified as a Trojan horse. Nevertheless, these programs are sold every day to consumers who want to monitor their kids, employees, or spouse and perhaps to people that have more nefarious purposes in mind. While there are certainly legitimate uses for monitoring software we find it hard to believe there is any legitimate scenario where a parent or employer would need to use remote installation to install a monitoring program. Make no mistake that spyware can certainly be used to illegally obtain your personal information
Hope on The Horizon
Starting in May of 2004, victims of identity theft will be able to alert banks, credit card companies and law enforcement with one call under a pilot program announced by the Financial Services Roundtable. The Financial Services Roundtable represents 100 institutions handling about 70 percent of the U.S. economy's financial transactions. They are creating an Identity Theft Assistance Center to help fight the rising incidence of the crime. The safest bet is to minimize your risks and practice good privacy.
Have you been targeted by identity theft?
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes. It is not intended as, nor should it be construed to be, legal, financial or other professional advice. Consult with your attorney or financial advisor to discuss any legal or financial issues involved with credit decisions.