5 Privacy Protection Tips for 2020

Experts project identity theft will spike in 2020. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent your personal information from falling into the wrong hands. In this blog, we offer five tips for how to protect your privacy in the year ahead.

Update Your Software

Computer updates force you to stop what you’re doing and wait until your software is updated. Although updates can be annoying, they also help prevent your devices from being exploited by cybercriminals. Set updates to install automatically at a time when you’re not busy so your software receives important security patches.

Back Up Your Data

Hackers use ransomware to steal your data and hold it ransom until a payment is made. Ransomware is often delivered as a spam email attachment. Never download files or click on links before verifying the sender’s email address. Regularly back up important documents and keep copies of your backup data in a secure location.

Shred Unwanted Documents

The adage “one’s trash is another’s treasure,” is true. Identity thieves rummage through curbside trash bins looking for documents with confidential information. Never toss unwanted documents in your trash can or recycling bin. Curbside receptacles offer an easy way for identity thieves to steal your personal information. Use a residential shredding service to discard old utility bills, credit card statements, pay stubs, tax records, and other documents.

Watch Out for Phone Fraud

Phone fraud is on the rise. Scammers pose as telemarketers, credit card companies, and government agencies. Never share personal information over the phone. Ask for the offer or information in writing. If the scammer persists, hang up the phone. When in doubt, look up the phone number and call the organization or agency directly to confirm.

Be Careful When Paying at the Pump

Skimmers are small, hard to spot, devices that criminals install on gas pump terminal and ATM card readers to steal your credit card information. The best way to avoid having your credit card data “skimmed” is to pay inside when buying gas and avoid standalone ATM machines. When possible, pay with cash.

Following these tips will help you keep your information secure in 2020.

For more privacy protection tips, please call us at 610-692-TEAR (8327) or complete the form on this page.

Wiggins Shredding serves Pennsylvania and the Tri-State Area of Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. We are your trusted, locally-owned paper shredding resource!