The Federal Trade Commission is the government office most involved with helping Americans avoid as well as make it through identity theft issues. Their website is a good source for information when it comes to best practices in identity theft prevention.
In a recent blog called “Hacked Email”, the Federal Trade Commission listed several new tips to help people deal with email and social networking hacks, whether it’s lessening the chances of a hack in the first place, or recovering from a hack once it happens. http://www.onguardonline.gov/articles/0376-hacked-email
The FTC identifies signs an account may have been hacked such as friends and family members receiving messages the user didn’t send, a sent folder emptied, social media posts the user didn’t create, or email or other accounts the user can’t open.
If consumers think they have been hacked, the FTC encourages them to take the following actions:
• Make sure security software is up-to-date and delete malware;
• Change passwords;
• Check with their email provider or social networking site for information about restoring the account;
• Check account settings; and
• Tell your friends
Using unique passwords for important sites like banking and email and safeguarding user names and passwords can help users protect themselves from hackers. The FTC recommends users turn on two-factor authentication if a service provider offers it; not click on links or open attachments from unknown users; and only download free software from sites a user knows and trusts. When using a public computer, do not let web browsers remember passwords, and log out of all accounts when finished.
For more information on best practices for identity theft prevent, please visit www.hvshred.com