As most of us are keenly aware, there are intruders lurking around every corner of the internet, doing everything in their power, to steal our identities. The problem has been magnified since the economic downturn started. They are targeting your personal and financial information, and when successful, can ruin your credit and drain your bank account. Is there a failsafe way to protect your information from falling into the hands of these crooks? There are many brands of identity theft software available; but which ones protect our information best? We’ll try to give you some guidance on what features to look for when you purchase ID theft software.
Must Have Features of Identity Theft Software
• Automatic Updates: One of the most important features identity theft software should include is automatic updates. These updates normally occur in the background and normally do not require downloading.
• Automatic Scans: Your software choice should automatically scan your PC when it is idle. It should also automatically scan your IMs and e-mails to protect your computer from viruses, Trojans, etc.
• Protection from Unsafe Websites: The software you choose should alert you if a site you are about to open is deemed unsafe.
• Analyzes Downloads: It should analyze all downloads and alert you if any are unsafe.
• Parental Control: You should have the ability to monitor the online activity in your home and restrict certain practices.
• Vulnerability Protection: The software should guard against potential security breaches in your operating system.
• Firewall: Your software should have built-in firewalls to stop hackers.
• Security Report: Your software should provide a security report, indicating what was done to protect you and your computer.
• Wireless Monitoring: You should have control of who is using your wireless network. Intruders can potentially access your information this way.
• Seamless Performance: The best software protects you behind the scenes, and does not inhibit the performance of your computer.
• Privacy Protector: Some software choices enable you to erase your tracks and will remove search histories, cookies, temporary internet files and index.dat files.
• Password Encryption Tool: Some software will encrypt your usernames, passwords and financial information such as credit cards, bank information, etc. This encryption process protects your information from thieves.
• Information Lock: Hackers, co-workers and even family members have access to the files on your computer. Some software brands allow you to lock down and pass word protects the files, so prying eyes cannot access your information.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Be sure the software you choose offers 24/7 support by phone, chat, e-mail, etc.
Two brands of software that come highly recommended are Norton Internet Security 2010 and SurfSecret Total Privacy. As you compare them with other brands on the market, you’ll find that they have a lot of the must have features listed above.
In Summary: The bottom line is; choose software that will offer protection not only to your files but also protection of your identity and what you do online. Simple anti-virus software just isn’t enough anymore. Remember, hackers are out there looking for your information. If it is concealed, you are protected. If not, you are very vulnerable!