By Dennis Powell, e-Management

Recently news outlets around the country reported large hotels experiencing significant data breaches resulting in customers debit and credit card information being misused. During the holidays, large retailers reported they had been victims of data breaches exposing tens of millions of consumers to financial risk. It seems like everywhere you look someone is stealing sensitive information. So what can consumers do to protect themselves from becoming a target of cyber fraud, whether online or offline? Look no further, we’ve pulled together a short list of suggestions designed to help consumers.

1. Replace bank cards immediately: If you hear of a data breach including debit or credit cards at a retailer you’ve used, you may want to call your banking institution and request replacements. When it comes to protecting yourself from cyber criminals, it pays to take immediate action, before they do!
2. Consider signing up for fraud monitoring services: Providers of fraud detection solutions offer a variety of options for consumers. Fraud monitoring services may include bank account protection, e-mail alerts for suspicious activities, and insurance protection some up to $1 million. If you don’t know where to start searching for monitoring solutions, check out the online which gives side-by-side comparisons. Be sure to call your financial institutions before purchasing new services, because you may already be covered.
3. Manage passwords and PINs: Changing your password periodically can help to protect your online accounts and mobile apps from hackers. It’s a good idea to retire passwords every 90 days or more frequently if you believe you are at risk for fraud. Be sure to create strong alphanumeric passwords. In fact, passwords are strongest when they have at least one special character (e.g., #, $, % etc.) and an uppercase letter. Additionally, if you hear of data breaches involving any brick and mortar or online retailers you’ve accessed, then consider changing your personal identification numbers (PINs).
4. Be mindful of the pitfalls of the web: The Internet is the number one source for malware distribution today. Malware is software that can be used to steal sensitive information from PCs, smartphones, and other tech devices. The malicious software can also disrupt your computer’s overall performance and operation. In addition to malware, cyber thugs are using evolving techniques and technologies to rip off your information (identity) or your money. So, be careful about providing personal and sensitive information to websites; and be extra cautious of unexpected or strange invitations from social media sites (Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.) and other websites. You should also be aware that your PC, tablet, or smartphone can become infected by viruses from instant messenger-type services and apps.
5. Use caution when accessing free wireless or public Internet connections: Many wireless (Wi-Fi) hot spots of your favorite coffee house, bookstore, or hotel may not be secure, which can invite hackers to sensitive information stored on your tablets, PCs, and smartphones. So if you are accessing the Internet using free or public wireless, you may want to visit encrypted websites only. The Federal Trade Commission’s OnGuardOnline.gov site offers up a few more tips for identifying encrypted websites and protecting yourself on public Wi-Fi systems.

We could go on and on…
There are so many ways to protect personal information from cyber criminals and identity thieves. Education is a good start. It is a great idea to share with the entire family the importance of being savvy in an age of data breaches. The Consumer Federation of America operates IDTheft.org, which offers additional tips to consumers about protection against fraud in the Electronic Age. So, (1) what would you do if you were suddenly a victim of a cyber crime or identity theft? (2) Have you or a loved-one been a victim of identity theft? (3) What tools are you currently using to protect yourself?