I’m a hacking expert – Wi-Fi and Android and iPhone app mistakes are putting you at risk of bank-draining stranger
SECURITY experts at Trend Mircro have discovered how simple activities like using Wi-Fi or using your favorite apps can put you at risk.
In a blog post about the dangers of identity theft, the experts reveal how fraudsters and hackers can steal your data.
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The blog states: “Identity theft occurs when a criminal obtains enough of a victim’s personal information to impersonate them.”
It goes on to explain how social media and unsecure Wi-Fi networks can lead to the loss of personal information.
When it comes to WiFi, you need to ensure that you are always using a secure network.
Don’t trust random public Wi-Fi networks unless you can confirm their legitimacy.
Hackers hope you will use them without thinking and use banking apps or reveal personal information about your phone activity.
The experts write: “The data transmitted over unsecured WiFi networks, such as login details and other sensitive information, can be stolen by hackers.”
They also advise against sharing too much on social media.
Revealing too much about yourself can provide hackers with the ammunition they need to take over your accounts.
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Trend Micro said: “Unfortunately, many people share too much on social media, which provides criminals with the opportunity to collect details about a person’s life, interests and connections, which can be helpful in identity theft.”
Birthdays, pet names, your mother’s maiden name, and any other identifiers should be kept secret.
It is also important to avoid posting images of your address, bank information, and social security number.
Criminals could use this information to make purchases using your credit card.
You could also get credit cards in your name or open other accounts.
A worst-case scenario is that a criminal who has stolen your identity impersonates you when arrested.