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Identity Theft Labs

AARP Says You Are Asking For Trouble

The AARP recently completed a survey regarding Americans’ cyber security and the results are appalling. Nearly half of Americans haven’t changed their password for an online account within the past six months. Four out of five Americans over the age of 18 have shared personal financial information that could be used for identity theft. Even shops aren’t safe since four in ten Americans have been notified by companies they have done business with have been subjected to a security breach.

Bottom line is that if cyber crime and identity theft can be stopped, it has to start with self-vigilance. Online, everyone must keep their anti-virus software updated and change their passwords frequently. Offline, people need to shred any trash that has your personal information, watch their bank records closely for any shady activity, and never leave valuable information or devices in their cars in case of physical theft. A little bit of inconvenience can save a lot of potential pain later on. For more on these findings and a full article, click here:: Millions invite identity theft: AARP
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The Key to Unlock Your Google Account… Literally

While Google has already has a two-step authorization in place that involves your text messaging service, it has recently debuted another method to unlock you account: a USB key. This way you can regain access to your Google account in case your phone is out of commission or you wish to avoid certain charges on your phone bill. Read a full article on this new method here: Google now lets you prove your identity with a USB security key

 
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Small “Common Sense” Tips to Protect Against Identity Theft

I’m sure the following article contains information many of you have already heard before. I’m also sure that many of you already do the following actions because it is plain common sense. The point is not to be condescending or insulting your intelligence. The point is to ensure common sense prevails and criminals don’t.

Criminals are using very easy-to-prevent methods to steal identities and live the high life off of a stranger’s bank account. A handful of identity thieves have gathered $900,000 alone from simple things such as stealing mail, breaking into automobiles and taking information, and accessing smart phones.

So do the simple things. Put a lock on your mailbox. Change the passwords on your smart devices and online accounts frequently. Never, ever leave your wallet, laptop, or anything else in your car that could compromise your identity. So I hope that you implement these small changes or else big trouble could occur. If you already do these things, then a reminder doesn’t hurt either.

For a full article on this, read here:: How to Get Away with Identity Theft
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Think You Have a Good Password? Confirm with Pipal

Pipal is a new password analyzer tool that rapidly parses passwords and can output stats on the contents. Some of the stats Pipal can provide you include most frequently used password, dates or numbers used, password lengths, most common base words, and more. It can also make recommendations and Hashcat masks.

For a full article on this tool, click here: Pipal – Password Analyzer Tool