Personal security encompasses a variety of services to keep individuals and families safe. These services can range from physical protection to online identity. Personal security services are often tailored to the individual, providing a level of privacy and reassurance that no other person can match.
Tasers are a popular personal safety device that can be used to deter an attacker or in self-defense. Learn more about these devices and how to use them responsibly. Click Here to learn more.
Identity theft is a serious problem that can cause significant harm to your credit, finances and reputation. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself against this threat.
Society’s growing reliance on technology to transfer personal information has created more opportunities for criminals to access and misuse that data. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that approximately 1 out of every 15 adults aged 16 years and older will experience some form of identity theft. Older adults who are victims of identity theft often face greater financial costs, have to spend more time resolving the issue and are more likely to suffer emotional distress.
The most common forms of identity theft involve credit cards and bank accounts. This type of crime can lead to unauthorized purchases or bogus fees being charged to your account. It can also leave you with a poor credit score and could even lead to the wrong information being added to your medical records.
Another common form of identity theft is tax fraud. Scammers can file fraudulent returns using your name, birthdate and Social Security number. This can damage your standing with the IRS and even prevent you from receiving a refund that you are entitled to.
If you suspect that you have become a victim of identity theft, take action immediately. Contact your bank, credit card companies and any other affected entities to resolve the issue. This can include changing your passwords, getting new cards and securing your online accounts. You can also hire a service to monitor your information and alert you of potential threats.
While research on identity theft specifically among older adults is rare, studies that focus on victims of all ages show that age, minority status and other factors are associated with more severe economic and psychological consequences. For example, black older adult victims were more likely to report losing substantial amounts of money and have difficulty resolving the issue. They are also more likely to experience emotional distress than white victims. The study also found that individuals’ online purchasing and lifestyle behaviors can affect their probability of becoming a victim, above and beyond risk factors that are largely out of their control, such as corporate or government-level data breaches.
Stolen Mail
Mail theft is a growing concern that affects all citizens. In the past year alone, there have been reports of criminals attacking or stealing mail carriers while they’re carrying out their duties. This is especially troubling as mail theft incidents have been linked to a number of serious financial crimes.
Thieves who target mail receptacles, like the iconic blue collection boxes, can steal important documents and items that contain identifying information, including credit card accounts, bank statements, pay stubs, utility bills and other personal paperwork. Additionally, criminals can use this data to commit crimes, such as identity theft and check fraud, which can lead to devastating consequences for the victim and their family.
Criminals who commit these types of crimes are typically petty criminals or cyber fraudsters, and they often have multiple motives for stealing your personal information. These individuals may sell the information they obtain from your stolen mail or use it to open credit cards, loans and other types of fraudulent financial activity. In many cases, the information is also used to commit medical or tax-related fraud in which you may be held accountable.
There are a few things you can do to help thwart mail thieves. One is to sign up for the free Postal Service service, Informed Delivery, which allows you to get a preview of your incoming mail. Another is to stay involved in your community and be vigilant about the safety of your neighbors. For instance, you can participate in neighborhood watches and communicate with your neighbors using apps, such as NextDoor.
Lastly, you can report mail theft and any other mail-related crimes to the USPS online or over the phone. This will provide authorities with valuable clues and help them identify and prosecute the perpetrators of these serious crimes.
If you suspect your mail has been tampered with or stolen, it’s critical to act quickly. Not only will you need to contact the Postal Inspection Service, but you’ll likely need to contact the companies or agencies whose information was compromised. You should also consider a program, such as Experian IdentityWorksSM, that monitors your credit and provides you with identity theft insurance.
Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks take many forms and can impact the personal security of individuals, businesses and the global economy. From sophisticated phishing scams to malware that can cripple an organization’s infrastructure to ransomware that locks critical data, there is no shortage of digital dangers today. The best way to protect against cyber threats is through proactive prevention. Practicing sound cybersecurity practices like regular software updates, strong passwords and two-factor authentication will ensure your information is protected from hackers.
Whether criminals or state actors launch cyber attacks, the impact can be significant. Attacks can lead to financial loss, intellectual property theft and disruptions in business operations. Attacks can also have psychological impacts, leading to a lack of trust in digital interactions and even a sense of fear and anxiety.
Large cyber attacks can have global ripple effects, such as when a DDoS attack caused Twitter, Spotify and Reddit to crash in 2016. In the case of terrorists or violent extremist organizations, cyber warfare is an effective tool for instilling fear in a nation’s citizens, hacking into critical infrastructure, disrupting economies and harming civilians.
Criminally motivated attackers seek monetary gain through stealing personal information, selling it on the dark web or using it to commit extortion. In the case of a major data breach, such as the one in 2018 at Marriott or the 2017 attack at FriendFinder, the personal information of millions of people was compromised.
Other motivations for cyberattacks include corporate espionage, where hackers steal intellectual property to give themselves an advantage over competitors and hacktivists, who are often political or socially motivated. Individual hackers may also hack for fun, savoring the challenge of breaking into systems. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s important for businesses to keep up with new risks in order to ensure their cyber security protocols are as effective as possible. To do so, they should partner with trusted cybersecurity partners that offer solutions based on secure by design. By doing so, they can guarantee a safer and more secure digital world for all.
Intruders
Intruders, also known as hackers, attack computer systems and networks to steal data, breach privacy and cause damage. Both insiders, such as malevolent employees, and outsiders like criminals can commit intrusions. These intruders can also use tools to crack passwords and gain unauthorized access to computer systems, which leads to personal and financial loss. Intruders can also put in malware that disrupts operations, or even take the entire system down by using denial-of-service attacks.
Burglars trespass on private property with the intent to steal money, jewelry and other valuables. They often strike when a home or business is unoccupied to minimize their risk of being caught. They may even target specific properties, such as homes with large amounts of cash or electronic equipment. In addition to robbery, burglars can also be involved in vandalism. They may break windows or spray paint graffiti on buildings and vehicles. They may also break into backyards to steal lawn or garden equipment. Youths and other individuals may trespass as part of dare games or for thrills, rather than with a specific intention to steal or harm people.
Animals, such as rats, mice and squirrels can also intrude into homes. They may be looking for food, shelter or simply to explore. These intruders typically scurry away when they see someone or are startled. Homeowners can limit these invasive animals by removing easy access points, such as holes in fences and gates.
If an intruder does enter a house, the homeowner should remain silent and hunker down behind locked doors. This approach prevents the intruder from knowing where you are and gives police time to arrive without putting you at risk. If you decide to confront the intruder, be firm and commanding. Yell, bang pots or set off alarms to signal the intruder’s presence and encourage them to flee.
If you are unable to flee, try to stay as far back from the intruder as possible and note their characteristics, such as weight, sex, height and clothing. Mentally note everything they do, including any actions that could lead to their arrest. This will make it easier for police to find and prosecute them.