“Protecting Your Identity”

Legal Software

Can you trust your software? Did you know that by unwittingly using unlicensed software you could potentially be loading a hidden portal/window to all your data and your identity?

In today’s world, you rely on your computer to work for you and to run your business. You store thousands of photos, music collections, and important documents; you make purchases, enter personal information, and search the Web. Imagine what it would be like to lose all your favorite family photos, or have your financial data stolen as a result of malicious or unwanted software running on your computer. Market research firm IDC reported in a recent study that obtaining and using pirated software can pose a serious security threat to organizations and individuals. Often, counterfeit software can lead to a corrupted system, a loss of data, and even identity theft. Also, in using counterfeit software you may encounter technical support and product upgrade challenges and expose yourself to serious legal risks.

The risk of running counterfeit software is real. How do you know whether or not you are using licensed software? In most cases licensed software comes with product keys or registry keys. Operating systems such Windows can be verified as legitimately licensed product by the manufacturer as is the case with Microsoft Windows by loading “Windows Genuine Advantage”.

Phishing

Phishing has become one of the fastest growing threats on the Internet and is also one of the most invasive. In most cases, a deceptive email message directs victims to a bogus site designed to look like a legitimate business. These sites have been established to gather sensitive information, such as your name, address, phone number, password, Social Insurance Number, and financial information that can then be used for criminal activities like identity theft.

One of the simplest ways to fight identity theft is to be discerning and vigilant – trust your instinct. Sympatico / MSN (http://safety.sympatico.msn.ca) and the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus (http://www.ccbbb.ca/alerts_idtheft.cfm) features practical tips like these below to help you protect yourself and ensure a safer online experience. But it’s better to be safe than sorry – if you have doubts, leave questionable sites altogether. 

Rule 1: Be defensive with personal information

• Give out personal information in person, over the phone or online only when you initiated the contact. If you are on a site that requests personal information, make sure it’s legitimate and secure by looking for ‘https’ in the address bar (‘s’ stands for secure) and a padlock icon.

Rule 2: Protect your credit and your bottom line

• Carefully check your financial statements every month for suspicious activity. If you spot something, immediately alert your credit card company or the creditor.

Rule 3: Create strong passwords and keep them secret

• Your first line of defence in the virtual world begins with your password or your personal identification number (PIN). Create strong passwords that you can remember and keep them secret. Passwords should have at least eight characters; include a combination of letters, numbers and symbols; and be easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.

Rule 4: Improve your computer's security

• You can greatly reduce your risk from hackers, viruses and worms by using a firewall, installing antivirus software and updating it routinely, and keeping your Windows software up to date. Protect your PC by following Microsoft's step-by-step instructions at http://safety.sympatico.msn.ca.