Internet identity theft is a cause of considerable concern for most people, especially those who regularly use a computer. Internet users, in are fifty times more likely to be victims of identity theft than non-internet users. Among the variety of identity theft solutions available, identity theft software can be an effective way to help prevent ID theft.
Identity Theft Software as an Application to Install on a PC
ID thieves often use spyware, adware and viruses as a means of accessing confidential information stored on computers. This information can include regularly used password, social security numbers, complete residential and business addresses, mother's maiden names and credit card details, all of which are rich pickings for an ID thief.
To help protect these vital personal details and prevent ID theft, identity theft software is available as an application which can be installed on a personal computer. The software works in the background of the host computer, scanning for spyware, adware and malware which are the most commonly used tools in internet identity theft. When these identity theft tools are detected, the identity theft software blocks or "kills" the offending virus or spyware, usually with the prior consent of the PC user. Some systems also delete tracking cookies, empty the computer's recycle bin and remove temporary Windows files as well as removing application histories, deleted emails and messenger logs; all of these can be useful to the ID thief and managing their presence on a PC can be a useful tool in helping to prevent ID theft.
Identity theft software in application form can be purchased for upwards of £20. To try to ensure that the software is as efficient as possible as a means of avoiding identity theft, the user will need to ensure that the identity theft software is kept up to date, along with the computer's firewall. Wherever possible, identity theft software should include automatic updates within the purchase price; there should be no additional charges for updates and the software should also be capable of keeping up to date with changes in technology, running on the most up to date computer so that the identity theft software is never out of date.
Using Web Based Identity Theft Software to Prevent ID Theft
As an alternative, those looking for identity theft software as a means of identity fraud protection may prefer to purchase services from an identity theft software provider which monitor the user's personal credit files, bank accounts and business accounts via a designated website. Known as an automatic identity theft fraud alert, the primary purpose of this form of software is to automatically notify the user of any suspicious or unusual activity on their accounts or credit files to try to prevent ID theft.
The advantage of this form of identity theft software is that it can be bespoke, allowing the user to tailor it according to his or her usual activities. For example, a user might typically spend less than a hundred pounds a month on a credit card, or only use it to buy petrol. Any activities outside of these normal parameters can then be notified to the user immediately. It is then, of course, up to the user to act quickly upon the information received, but early detection of identity theft gives the best possible chance of stopping the activity in its tracks.
Identity Theft Software Should be Used in Conjunction with Other Identity Theft Solutions
Identity theft software is just one of many identity fraud protection strategies which should be put in place by the vigilant internet user. With internet identity theft on the increase, the shredding of sensitive documents, selection of hack-resistant online passwords and careful checking of bank and credit card statements should all be practised alongside the use of identity theft software to help prevent ID theft.
Sources:
Protectmyidentityonline.com website, "Identity Theft Software: What to Look For", date accessed 28.2.2010
Business.com website, "Identity Theft Software" by Apryl Beverly, date accessed 1.3.2010
Vanessa Warren - Vanessa has a degree in law and a postgraduate diploma in Legal Practice. She was awarded the JF Gregg Memorial Prize for academic ...
