Protect Your Information Online Like the Security Experts Do

You do it. I do it. We all do it. Scroll through our phones, or check in on today’s emails, open up an app or two (or ten)... In the 2020s, we’re all online, all the time. And you know who else is on there? Lurking in the shadows around every digital corner? Hackers! This day and age where your data has never been more widespread is also a time when that same data has never been more vulnerable.

During the pandemic, even our work days and our kids’ school days played out online over various video chat services. We get all our music online, all our shows, our movies… Not to mention the fact every financial transaction we’re pumping out is crossing internet cables...

It’s an age of unprecedented speed and convenience, an age when your favorite five star meal is only an app away… but with that speed and convenience comes a darker side. A darker side of risk. Identity theft is ubiquitous now, there’s almost no avoiding it. But there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself, and they just might start with running your background report.

Keep an Eye on Your I.D.

There are a few ways to safeguard your identity online. The reason background checks can be so effective is their platforms crawl and scour the web for public records documents, which can often contain red flags indicating identity theft may have occurred.

If a cyber criminal has put your social security number in jeopardy, or other personally identifying info like a date of birth (DOB), current or past addresses, or more, background reports may very well pick those up. The last thing you want is some cyber criminal opening up credit cards under your name. If you’re concerned this may be happening to you, you’ll need to do everything in your power to put it to a stop right now.

Stay vigilant, and stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Run your background report now to peruse your public records documents, and if you see anything fishy at all, take action immediately.

A Data Beach Is No Day at the Beach

When hackers get inside large banks of personal info, like the Target breach of 2013, or the Equifax breach of 2017, it spells big, big trouble. Unfortunately, breaches like this are only becoming more and more commonplace.

In many instances, people might not even know they’ve been victimized as part of these mega breaches until it’s too late. But a background check may catch it early, which is why we always recommend running background reports on a frequent basis if possible.

When a data breach does occur, your info may very well end up in the last place you want it: The Dark Web. This unsavory hellhole is exactly what it sounds like: a place where cyber criminals revel and play in their virtual black market.

In a nutshell, when they hijack your identity, they strip it for parts and sell it. You do NOT want this to happen, so run your background report today and stay one step ahead before it’s too late.

Safeguard Your Banking Info

The Holy Grail: your banking info. This is the very last thing of all the things you want getting in the hands of the cyber criminal. Unfortunately for the general public, hackers can often commandeer bank accounts with any computer or smartphone, sometimes even executing highly advanced hacks called Sim Swaps.

And once they have your banking info, cha-ching! There go your precious savings funds. Make sure you’re always monitoring your bank info closely. If you suspect any fraud or identity theft at all, don’t hesitate. Take action immediately.

In summation, hackers are never going to stop hacking. It’s in their blood, and it’s up to you and me to stop them. Protect yourself as best you can, both personally and in business transactions. Pad your security as much as possible, and keep a close, vigilant eye on your background checks to stay one step ahead at all times. You’ll be very glad you did.