Identity Theft & How to Prevent It ?
Identity theft or identity fraud occurs when someone steals the digital credentials that uniquely define you, such as a user id and password, to gain access to your banks or social media or illegally use the information.
Cybercriminals can obtain your financial and personal identification information like bank details, Personal identification documents like Aadhaar and PAN, Address, and Digital Signature. This sensitive information is enough for them to take loans in your name.
Estimates show that 4 out of 10 people in India are victims of identity theft. Experts cite identity theft as one of the fastest-growing crimes in India, and the country is fast becoming a soft target for cybercrime and identity theft.
The Staggering Data of Identity Theft in India
The key highlights of the Norton Cyber Safety Insights report – 2021shows how online threats grew in 2020.
- 7 Crore Indians are estimated to have faced identity threats
- Indians spent 1.3 billion hours collectively attempting to resolve cybercrime crises.
- Adult internet users in India spent more than 1.5 hours monthly dealing with cybersecurity incidents
These statistics further are an indication of the extent to which Indians are facing cybercrimes.
What is our armour against Identity Theft ?
It is imperative that we address significant concerns like taking preventive measures to safeguard against cyber-attacks as well be aware of the redressal methods in case we are victims of identity theft ?
How to protect ourselves from cyber threats
There are several options to protect ourselves against data theft.
- Spotting Spam:Keep a keen eye on some cleverly disguised phishing mails. Exercise caution and if an attachment or link is from an unidentified source, avoid it.
- Password Security: It is advisable to use strong passwords and change them frequently.Check your bank and credit card statements and keep an eye out for any irregular transactions.
- Anti-Virus & Security Software: Use of security software is a good practice.
- Use a VPN: Secure all the home Wi-Fi and other hotspot devices with a VPN.
- Offline Identity Theft: Even offline identity thefts happen. So, be careful while destroying your records and shred them properly.
Some Famous Cases of Cyber Attacks in India
How to protect ourselves from cyber threats ?
- Cyber Insurance:
Cyber Insurance covers identity theft in case you of an attack. You can claim in case money has been withdrawn without authorization as well as expenses related to legal fees, exhortation, and cyberbullying.
- File Complaint
Victims must also immediately file a complaint in the nearest police station or cybercrime cell, as it will be your safeguard if the thief impersonates you. A filed police complaint is also mandatory to file for bank compensation.
Conclusion
In these times, when remote working is on the rise, and our lives are open books on social media, we must be cognizant of the risks and pitfalls of Identity theft and take appropriate measures to educate and safeguard ourselves.
