Across the country, identity theft has become a crime that’s increasingly easier to commit… and increasingly harder to recover from. To keep your personal information protected, follow our quick tips:

1. Connect to a secure network. If you connect to a network that’s not secure, it’s easier for someone to see what you’re doing — including the websites you’re visiting, the documents you’re working on and the passwords you’re using. To keep your content encrypted, only connect to wireless networks that require a security key/password.
2. Visit websites that begin with “https.” Fun fact: The “s” stands for “secure,” so these are the only sites you provide personal information to or place an online order with. (For your convenience, a safe site will also display a closed padlock icon in the lower right corner of your browser.)
3. Create passwords only you know. To keep your personal information protected, create unique passwords for all of your accounts and programs… and don’t share them with anyone.
4. Always log out, and never leave your tech unattended. When you’re finished using an online account, log out of it. And when you’re on the move in a public place, it’s important to take your devices with you.
5. Don’t automatically download email attachments. If a fraudulent email makes its way to your inbox, an automatic download could leave you with a number of viruses.
6. Keep your software up to date. What’s the best defense against online threats? Having the latest security software, web browser and operating system.
7. Limit the information you post to social media. And consider making your accounts private, so only your friends can see what you’re sharing.

If you think your personal information has been stolen, give us a call.

This post originally appeared at Frankenmuth Insurance and appears with permission.